Migration Workers Union Criticizes AIMA for Repeating SEF's Mistakes

Migration Workers Union's Concerns

The Migration Workers Union (STM) has accused the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) of perpetuating the same errors that led to the failure of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in assisting immigrants.

According to Manuela Niza, a leader within the STM, the problem lies in the retention of management from the former SEF, which was dissolved in October 2023, within the current AIMA. This oversight disregards the fact that AIMA also encompasses responsibilities from the former High Commission for Migrations (ACM).

“Leaving these individuals in leadership positions without a contest is a self-inflicted wound for the institution,” Niza stated after a meeting with AIMA's management.

Allegations of Nepotism and Poor Planning

Niza highlighted the existence of a climate of nepotism and despotism within AIMA, criticizing the poorly executed transition from ACM and SEF. She noted that the organizational structure of AIMA was created without any competitive selection process, failing to consider the competencies of individuals, thereby maintaining the administrative model of SEF, which was criticized for not focusing on immigrant support.

Additionally, there has been a structural shift where tasks are now divided between employees who handle customer service and those who solely process applications, which Niza claims creates service delivery issues.

Worker Discontent

In a letter to employees, the STM expressed discomfort during a meeting on January 9, contesting the lack of access to a list of employees or an institutional email. The union also called for the reinstatement of allowances cut from employees and the subsidy for relocation to Madeira and the Azores, questioning the allocation of resources for the Mission Structure.

Furthermore, the STM proposed the creation of a special career path for those working in migration, though Niza noted that the management did not show much enthusiasm for this idea, leaving the union puzzled.