AIMA Delays Cause Uncertainty
AIMA Delays Cause Uncertainty, But Visa Extensions Remain in Effect Until June 30, 2025
Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is facing growing criticism over significant delays in processing visa and residency permit appointments. Since replacing SEF, AIMA has struggled to keep up with demand, leaving thousands of migrants and foreign residents in limbo as they await communication regarding the renewal of their documents.
To manage the backlog, the Portuguese government issued a Decree-Law officially extending the validity of all visas and residence permits until June 30, 2025. This extension is legally binding and internationally recognized, meaning that those with expired documents are still considered to have valid status. Importantly, this allows affected individuals to travel freely in and out of Portugal during this period without risking issues at border control.
Despite the legal extension, uncertainty remains. The government had previously stated that AIMA would contact all affected individuals to schedule renewal appointments. However, many people have still not been contacted, even as the June 30 deadline approaches.
As of now, there is no official confirmation of another extension , but growing concerns and continued inaction from AIMA have led many to believe that the deadline will likely be pushed again . The alternative — thousands of residents suddenly falling out of legal status due to administrative inaction — would be both politically and logistically untenable.For now, those awaiting updates should retain documentation of their previous application or residency status, and refer to the official Decree-Law for travel reassurance. While the current system remains frustratingly opaque, affected individuals can at least rely on the fact that their legal status is protected until June 30, 2025.
For many that are tired of waiting or the endless calls and emails to get an appointment, they have had to resort to forcing AIMA to give them an appointment via a lawsuit. More information on that can be found via the following link: https://visas.pt/services/aima-appointment
Stay tuned for further announcements, especially as the deadline nears. Those still awaiting communication from AIMA are advised to monitor official government channels and keep personal records updated in case contact is eventually initiated.
