Portugal: New Immigration Agency to Replace the Existing Agencies

Effective October 29, 2023, a new Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) will replace and merge the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and the High Commissioner of Migration. The AIMA will oversee the admission, reception, and integration of immigrants as well as manage migration and asylum policies. Police functions (including border security) will be transferred to security services (the Judiciary Police, the Republican National Guard and the Public Security Police). The Institute of Registries and Notary will take over the issuance of passports and residence permits. The restructuring – initially announced in April 2023 – seeks to streamline immigration processes. However, in the interim, there may be delays to immigration processing and visa appointments – with the SEF reported to be facing a considerable backlog of residence visa applications.