Portugal will significantly speed up family reunification processes for immigrants starting this October. The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) plans to increase appointment slots to handle more applications, addressing past delays. Now, all underage family members (ages 0 to 18) are eligible, an expansion from the previous age range of 5 to 15. This change aims to help regularized immigrants integrate into Portuguese society, with a focus on reuniting families.

After extended administrative backlogs stalled reunification requests, AIMA will now handle cases faster, prioritizing parents and minor children. This improvement will streamline immigration procedures and reduce waiting times, helping to bring more families to Portugal.

Increased Appointment Availability

Starting October, AIMA will increase its daily capacity for family reunification cases, easing the strain on the system. This change will significantly reduce the time immigrants must wait, a crucial step in supporting Portugal’s growing immigrant population, which exceeds one million.

Focus on Integration

With rising immigration, particularly from Portuguese-speaking countries, speeding up family reunifications is part of a broader effort to ensure immigrants are well integrated into Portuguese society. AIMA will also coordinate with other governmental bodies to optimize immigration processes.

Positive Impact on Immigrant Families

This initiative will benefit immigrant families who have faced separation due to bureaucratic delays. By fast-tracking family reunification, Portugal reaffirms its commitment to immigrant welfare and social integration, ensuring families can contribute to society while maintaining close ties.

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