AIMA Boosting Daily Capacity

• 1 August, 25

To address the growing demand for immigration services, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has announced an increase in its daily service capacity to 7,000 individuals. The agency also plans to expand its nationwide service network by establishing more Local Support Centers for Migrant Integration (CLAIMs) to improve administrative efficiency and accessibility.

New CLAIM Center Opens with Biometric and Document Processing Capabilities

The announcement was made by Pedro Gaspar Portugal, Chairman of AIMA’s Board of Directors, during the inauguration of a new CLAIM center in Fundão, a city in central Portugal. This center is the fifth in the country equipped to handle biometric data collection and personal document processing.

“We expect to open approximately 10 new CLAIM centers with full processing capabilities in the second half of this year,” he stated.

As of now, Portugal hosts 170 CLAIM centers, around 90 of which operate in partnership with local municipalities. The new generation of CLAIMs will be upgraded versions of these existing units.

AIMA is enhancing its daily service capacity through a new generation of CLAIM migrant support centers. These upgraded centers are equipped with technology to collect personal and biometric data, allowing for the initial processing of documents and significantly accelerating the legal residency process. As part of a national service network, they aim to streamline workflows and help reduce case backlogs more efficiently.

AIMA 2024 Performance: 220,000 Appointments, 16% No-Show Rate

In 2024, AIMA registered 220,000 appointments, but 35,000 individuals (16%) failed to show up. To improve efficiency, the agency plans to:

• Enhance data tracking systems
• Introduce reminder mechanisms
• Ensure more thorough documentation at first contact, accelerating the legalization and integration process.

Local Governments Respond Proactively – Migration Seen as Key to Combating Aging Population

Paulo Fernandes, Mayor of Fundão, highlighted his city’s commitment to supporting immigration.  “Over the years, we’ve built a comprehensive ecosystem for migrant services,” he said, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities migration brings.

He further noted: “Migrants are a critical force in addressing population aging and labor shortages. Integration and inclusion are national development priorities moving forward.”

Cre: theportugalnews