The Portuguese government, led by the prime minister Luís Montenegro, announced a comprehensive set of 41 measures to improve immigration and asylum processes. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas addressed:
Strengthening AIMA (Agency for Migration and Asylum Integration):
- Restructuring AIMA’s organization and responsibilities
- Increasing human resources and technological capabilities
- Incentive programs for productivity and performance
- Transferring residence permit renewal services from IRN to AIMA
- Expanding in-person services for immigrants
Streamlining Immigration Procedures:
- Ending the Expressions of Interest procedure
- Prioritizing applications for family reunification, students, and qualified professionals
- Improving response capacity at Consulates
- Addressing delays in implementing new border control systems
Enhancing Border Management:
- Upgrading border control infrastructure, IT systems, and databases
- Reducing congestion at Lisbon and Faro airports
Integration and Social Support:
- Increasing capacity for temporary accommodation of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
- Expanding Portuguese language learning programs (PLNM)
- Simplifying basic education equivalency processes
- Promoting access to healthcare and social services
- Facilitating professional integration
- Encouraging private investment in integration projects
- Strengthening support for immigrant associations
Refugee Resettlement and Protection:
- Fulfilling resettlement and relocation commitments
- Increasing places for asylum seekers and refugees in reception centers
- Expanding specialized units for unaccompanied minors
Labor Market Integration:
- Conducting a labor needs survey to match foreign worker supply and demand
- Improving recognition of foreign qualifications and competencies
- Promoting professional training opportunities
Policy and Governance:
- Developing a National Plan for the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact
- Implementing procedural speed mechanisms for immigration appeals
- Strengthening the CPLP Mobility Agreement
- Creating a multi-force team to combat human trafficking and exploitation
- Auditing Portuguese nationality language assessments
- Restoring the Migration Observatory as a state body
- Redefining and automating the Council for Migration and Asylum
This is a significant reform effort aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and social integration within Portugal’s immigration system.