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PORTUGAL REFORM IN THE PORTUGUESE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM, AGENCY FOR MIGRATION AND ASYLUM (AIMA)
On 28th October, Saturday was the official day when SEF Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) Immigration department was still in office. The immigration service was ended after being in might since 1986, taking been the service accountable for all matters related to the borders, the legalization of foreigners in Portugal, and the distributing of Passports and Residency Permits.
As already announced before in our previous news article that the Restructuring of the SEF is on the process. The closure of SEF will split the capabilities owned by the previous immigration services into three others, one of which was created in exclusive for this new goal and makes the separation between administrative and police functions.
POLICE COMPETENCES – will be divided between:
- Criminal Police (“PJ”) – where de SEF inspectors will now be established;
- Republican National Guard (“GNR”) – which will be accountable for the control of land and sea borders and Public Security Police;
- (“PSP”) – the now on accountable for the air borders.
RESIDENCIES AND VISAS – formation of a new entity:
- Agency for Migration and Asylum (AIMA) – Evidence about their creation and competencies here: SEF's standby has been approved
RENEWALS and ISSUING OF DOCUMENTS:
- Civil Registry – The Civil registry will accept this ability already being implemented.
Additionally, this reform in the Portuguese immigration system marks a change in the Government’s approach to immigration. Giving to the Portuguese Government, "this way, in situations of migratory pressure or humanitarian crisis, Portugal will be prepared to respond in a more coordinated and immediate way" to challenges such as trafficking in human beings and labor exploitation, "safeguarding the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees" and also a step forward in the implementation of digital components to the legalization process.
Concerning the backlog in the analysis of applications, namely in referring to the Golden Visa program, the government documented the delays.
It publicized on Monday that it is expected that this matter will be allocated as a priority, which we assume means additional resources will be put in place to correct this condition with urgency.
Also, the formation of the new entity will not impact your Golden visa application.
The files that were under SEF analysis will be transferred automatically to the new entity.
We will remain to follow the situation as closely as possible as we keep getting updates and will keep our clients / investors informed of any progresses.
Bilimoria & Associate is a leading immigration visa service provider in Chennai and has seamlessly helped thousands of people migrate to different countries. Whether you are looking to build your future in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, or Portugal, Bilimoria & Associate will guide you and your family to fulfil your dream to live and work in these countries.
For further queries related to immigration, the visa process or the latest updates, you can call our office on +91 44 2823 9229 / +91 44 2822 7127 / +91 444 350 8191 (or) mail us at neville@bilimoriaassociate.com