The lack of structure at AIMA is one of the biggest challenges faced by immigrants in Portugal. Many people are stuck in an endless waiting cycle, unable to get responses or move forward with their processes.
Here are some of the most common challenges:
1. Difficulty in Scheduling Appointments
The appointment process at AIMA is one of the most critical points. To be attended, immigrants must schedule a time by phone. However, many times there are no available slots, leaving people without any forecast for service. Without this appointment, it becomes impossible to move forward with residency renewal processes or family reunification requests.
2. Delays in Issuing and Renewing Residence Permits
Another recurring problem is the delay in AIMA issuing or renewing residence permits. There are reports of immigrants waiting for over a year for a response. This delay can have serious consequences, such as difficulties in working, studying, or accessing basic services.
3. Lack of Response to Emails and Pending Processes
In addition to difficulties in phone and in-person service, AIMA is known for not responding to emails efficiently, which further aggravates the frustration of immigrants. There are over 400 pending processes with no forecast of resolution or progress.
4. Difficulty with Family Reunification
Many immigrants in Portugal wish to bring their families through family reunification. However, the lack of appointment slots and the delay in processes make this almost unattainable for many. Without adequate assistance, families remain separated for months or even years.
How a Specialized Lawyer Can Help
The good news is that these problems can be resolved more efficiently with the help of a specialized immigration lawyer. The lawyer knows the legal deadlines and rules that AIMA must follow and can act both administratively and judicially to ensure that your rights are respected.
1. Administrative Intervention
Through administrative means, a lawyer can act directly with AIMA, forcing a response and tracking the process. Unlike regular emails that are often ignored, AIMA is obliged to respond to demands made by lawyers. This ensures that your case receives the necessary attention and does not remain stagnant.
2. Judicial Process
If AIMA continues to fail to meet deadlines or issue a decision on your case, a lawyer can file a legal action to demand that the agency fulfill its legal obligation. This is an efficient solution for those who have been waiting for a long time without answers.
3. Family Reunification
In the case of family reunification, a lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure that the family’s rights are respected, shortening the waiting time and increasing the chances of success in the application.
When Should You Seek a Lawyer?
If you have been waiting for months for a response from AIMA, cannot schedule an appointment, or your residence permit renewal is delayed, it’s time to consider the help of an immigration lawyer. The lawyer can ensure that your process moves forward and that you get the expected result within the legal deadlines.
Additionally, a lawyer can assist you with:
- Updating personal data with AIMA
- Naturalization and citizenship processes
- Advice on work and study visas
- Legal support in case of denied requests
Conclusion
AIMA’s lack of structure is a problem affecting thousands of immigrants in Portugal, but it does not have to be an insurmountable obstacle. With the help of a specialized lawyer, you can overcome these problems, get a quicker response, and ensure that your rights are respected.
If you are facing difficulties with AIMA and need legal assistance, contact our office. We are ready to help you resolve your case quickly and efficiently, using our extensive experience in immigration law.
Schedule a consultation now and discover how we can help you!
Adriano Martins Pinheiro | Immigration Lawyer in Portugal
