The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is gearing up to launch its first immigrant service centre on Monday at the Hindu Center in Telheiras, Lisbon. This significant move is expected to mobilize over a hundred individuals who will be working in these facilities, aiming to provide much-needed support and services to the immigrant community in Portugal.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | Monday |
| Location | Hindu Center, Telheiras, Lisbon |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Staff Involved | AIMA employees and trained civil society staff |
| Goal | Resolve over 400,000 pending immigration cases |
| Target Group | Immigrants in Portugal as of June 3, 2024 |
| Largest Unit Location | Lisbon |
A Major Step Towards Addressing Pending Immigration Cases
AIMA has set its sights on resolving the backlog of more than 400,000 pending immigration cases. The Mission Structure’s new service centre, operational from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., is a part of an extensive and coordinated logistical effort. This facility will not only house AIMA staff but will also include personnel from civil society organizations that have received specific technical training from security forces and other relevant authorities.
Regularizing Immigrants: A Key Focus
One of AIMA’s primary objectives is to regularize immigrants who were already working in Portugal as of June 3, 2024, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements to obtain a residence permit. This initiative aligns with the Action Plan for Migration announced by the government, which replaced the previous regime of expressing interest as a means of entering Portugal. It’s a big shift, but one that’s meant to streamline the immigration process and provide more straightforward paths to regularization.
A New Use for a Familiar Space
Interestingly, the Radha Krishna Hindu temple in Telheiras, which served as a vaccination center during the Covid-19 pandemic, will now play a pivotal role in assisting immigrants. This choice reflects the government’s creative approach to repurposing spaces for community service, showcasing a commitment to utilizing existing resources efficiently.
Lisbon Hosts the Largest Immigrant Service Unit
The opening of the Telheiras centre fulfills a promise made by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, who announced on August 22nd that the first centres to assist immigrants would be operational in September. Lisbon will host the largest of these units, reinforcing its role as a key hub for immigrant services. According to the minister, the mission structure has been diligently working with local authorities, NGOs, and other entities to secure the necessary spaces and set up back-office teams dedicated to speeding up the processing of immigration cases.
AIMA’s Commitment to the Immigrant Community
AIMA’s commitment to supporting the immigrant community is clear. By opening service centres like the one in Telheiras, they are taking concrete steps to address the long-standing backlog and provide essential services to those seeking a new start in Portugal.
The opening of this new centre marks a significant step forward in Portugal’s immigration policy, with AIMA at the forefront of efforts to create a more efficient and supportive environment for immigrants. So, are you ready to see how this new centre will make a difference? Stay tuned as AIMA takes these bold steps to shape a better future for immigrants in Portugal!
