The workers of the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) announced a strike starting on 22 August, 2024, primarily targeting overtime work, which will extend until the end of the year.

AIMA was formed last October following the abolition of SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). AIMA is responsible for regularising the entry and stay of foreign citizens into Portugal, including granting residence permits. 

In a statement to LUSA - Portuguese News Agency, the National Federation of Unions of Public and Social Workers (FNSTFPS) clarified that “this strike will last until the end of the year”, with the expectation that “it may be called off if AIMA takes the necessary steps to create the staff map with a sufficient number of workers to address pending requests and manage contacts with immigrants”.

The strike arises from deep-rooted concerns over inadequate staffing, overwhelming workloads, and frustrations with the ongoing transition from SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to AIMA. AIMA workers have long been raising alarms about the unsustainable conditions they face, with more than 400,000 pending cases creating significant delays. The issues have been exacerbated by a recruitment process that many describe as opaque, further stressing an already strained system.

What this means for services
This strike introduces significant uncertainty regarding how services will be managed during this period. While strikes often include agreements on minimum service levels to mitigate the impact, no clear plan has been confirmed for this particular strike. This lack of clarity creates a situation where it is nearly impossible to predict which services will be available and when. In practical terms, this means that scheduled appointments for immigration-related services are at risk of being delayed, rescheduled, or outright cancelled.

Global International Relocation in Portugal said that it fully understands the challenges that this strike may pose to its clients and partners.

Rossana Veglia, Chief Mobility Officer at Global, said that “despite the uncertainties, we are committed to maintaining all scheduled appointments and ensuring that our clients continue to receive the support they need throughout this period”.  She explained that the company maintains a legal team at AIMA that allows it to gather first-hand information and stay up-to-date with any developments that could impact its clients. “By being on the ground regularly, we are able to anticipate changes, identify potential workarounds, and adjust strategies accordingly,” said Rossana.  “This ongoing interaction with AIMA staff and officials puts us in a strong position to navigate the challenges brought on by the strike and provide our clients with the most accurate and timely guidance available.”

She added, “We recognise that with the strike in effect, scheduled services may be disrupted without prior notice, and the lack of clarity around which appointments will be rescheduled, delayed, or cancelled make the process impractical. We strongly recommend that clients and partners prepare for possible delays and remain flexible.”

Photo: Portuguese flag.