Portugal Rejects 78,000 Immigration Applications: What Immigrants Need to Know
The immigration regularization process in Portugal has been significantly impacted by a recent decision from the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) to reject 78,000 applications. Many immigrants who have been waiting for months—or even years—are now facing legal uncertainty and must act quickly to avoid complications.
If you’ve been affected by this decision, here’s what’s happening and your next steps.
📌 Why Were Applications Rejected?
AIMA is currently reviewing pending cases inherited from SEF (Portugal’s former immigration agency) and has announced that many applications fail to meet the required criteria. The most common reasons for rejection include:
❌ Missing documents at the time of submission.
❌ Duplicate applications or those that did not meet the minimum requirements.
❌ Irregular applications filed by unauthorized consultants or intermediaries.
❌ Changes in immigration policies after AIMA was established.
📢 How Does This Affect Immigrants?
Many affected individuals may lose their right to work legally, access to healthcare, and other essential services. Additionally, having an application denied can complicate future citizenship applications and family reunification requests.
🛑 What to Do Next?
If you’ve received (or expect to receive) a rejection notification from AIMA, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Carefully read the rejection notice and understand the reason for denial.
2️⃣ Gather any missing documents to prove your eligibility.
3️⃣ Seek legal assistance from an immigration lawyer to appeal the decision or reapply correctly.
4️⃣ Keep track of deadlines to ensure you don’t miss opportunities to regularize your status.
📖 Additional Resources for Immigrant Mothers-to-be in Portugal
If you live in Portugal and you’re pregnanct, check out Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land. This book provides practical guidance for expatriates, including healthcare, legal processes, and building a support network.
📚 Get your copy now: Click Here
🔻 What Do You Think About AIMA’s Decision?
Have you been affected by this? Share your experience in the comments and help strengthen the immigrant community in Portugal.
