The court responsible for handling cases against AIMA is on the verge of collapse. On June 24, 2025, Jornal de Notícias published a report stating that there are only six judges assigned to nearly 60,000 cases. That means each judge is responsible for almost 10,000 cases.

With thousands of new lawsuits constantly being filed, it’s clear that there aren’t enough judges to handle the cases with the necessary speed. At present, some judges have cases that have been sitting for over 90 days, with no indication of when they will be reviewed.

Judicial Actions: The Only Option for Scheduling at AIMA

Judicial actions have become the only way for immigrants to secure an appointment with AIMA. Previously, appointments were available via the contact center, but no slots have been available for months. For family reunification, no appointments have been available for more than 2 years.

Many immigrants have successfully secured appointments through court orders. Initially, the process was quick, and even the issuance of the residence card was handled swiftly. However, as more immigrants realized that judicial action was their only option, thousands of cases were sent to the court, which is now struggling to keep up.

Urgency Proof Required by the Court

For those considering legal action, it is important to note that the court now requires proof of urgency. This means that immigrants must demonstrate that their case cannot wait.

Judicial Action: The Only Option for Urgent Cases

For those facing urgent circumstances, judicial action remains the only option, as long as it is supported by sufficient proof of urgency. While delays and uncertainty persist regarding court decisions, there is, unfortunately, no other alternative.

Adriano Martins Pinheiro, lawyer in Portugal .