Why AIMA Struggles to Process 4,000 Immigrant Applications Daily: A Deep Dive into the Challenges

AIMA's Ambitious Goals and Immigrant Challenges

The AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) aimed to assist 4,000 immigrants daily by opening 20 service points across Portugal. However, they are falling short of this target due to several complications.

Missing Documents: The Main Culprit

Many immigrants arrive at appointments without the necessary documents. A significant issue is that some do not even bring their passports. The most commonly missing documents include:

• Criminal record certificates
• Proof of address

Without these documents, the regularization process stalls and can even be rejected.

Who's Affected?

Tatiana Kazan, a lawyer, notes that the majority of these issues do not stem from Brazilian immigrants but rather from those coming from Asian countries. Many wait until the last minute to seek legal assistance, which can be problematic due to time constraints.

The Illicit Legal Practices

Kazan highlights another layer of complexity: the prevalence of illegal representation. Some immigrants fall prey to individuals posing as lawyers, charging fees without delivering the promised services. This can lead to further delays and complications in their applications.

The Importance of Preparation

Kazan advises immigrants to prepare their documentation immediately after submitting their interest in regularization, rather than waiting for appointment confirmations.

Court Proceedings and Documentation

Even those who seek legal recourse against AIMA can find themselves in a tough spot if they lack the appropriate documents. A judge's requirement for an appointment does not aid in legalizing their status if the necessary paperwork is absent.

AIMA's Silence

Despite inquiries, AIMA has not disclosed how many applications remain incomplete due to missing documents, nor the average number of such cases daily.