Portugal has taken a significant step towards improving its immigration procedures by launching a new online platform aimed at facilitating the regularisation of immigrants with employment contracts. The initiative, spearheaded by the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), is set to expedite the process for individuals who have been contributing to Social Security before June 4, 2024.

Key Highlights of the New Initiative

• Eligibility Criteria: Immigrants who were employed and making Social Security contributions before the cutoff date of June 4, 2024, can now regularise their status.
• Faster Processing: The new platform aims to clear the backlog of pending applications and improve processing efficiency.
• Support for Foreign Workers: The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of workers who have been waiting for legal status in Portugal.

Addressing the Immigration Backlog

The introduction of the platform comes in response to the overwhelming number of applications pending at AIMA, which had accumulated to over 400,000. The previous system, which required applicants to file an Expression of Interest to secure a job offer and subsequently obtain a residence permit, was phased out in 2024. The new online platform replaces this mechanism, ensuring a smoother transition for those affected by the change.

Reduced Contribution Requirement for Applicants

One of the most significant changes brought about by this initiative is the reduction in the Social Security contribution requirement. Previously, applicants needed to provide proof of 12 months of contributions, but under the new system, just one month of contributions before the stipulated date is sufficient for eligibility. This update will particularly benefit those who were in precarious situations due to misinformation or lack of technological access.

Lawyer Klaudia Freitas commented on this update, stating:

“Before, it was necessary to prove 12 months of contributions. Now, it is enough to have at least one month of contributions up to the stipulated date.”

Similarly, immigration specialist Catarina Zuccaro emphasized the advantages of the new system for workers who were previously in legal limbo:

“The platform is an opportunity for those who were in legal limbo and already contribute to Social Security, but it is essential that the discount be made by the employer. This excludes, for now, self-employed workers and those who make individual contributions.”

Second Chance for Rejected Applications

In a related development, the Portuguese government has announced that immigrants whose residence permit applications were rejected due to unpaid fees will now have a second chance to reapply. This decision is expected to benefit approximately 108,000 immigrants who were previously denied permits. The government aims to ensure that those who faced administrative challenges in the past can now correct their applications and obtain legal status.

Deputy Secretary of State for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rui Armindo Freitas, along with AIMA President Pedro Portugal Gaspar, confirmed that a new call for applications will be launched soon, allowing affected individuals to resolve any pending issues and secure their residency.

Implications of the New System

This streamlined immigration process marks a significant shift in Portugal’s approach to managing foreign workers and economic migrants. The implementation of the online platform is expected to:

• Reduce bureaucratic delays by digitizing and automating much of the application process.
• Enhance workforce stability, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor.
• Provide clarity and security to immigrants who have been contributing to the Portuguese economy.

With Portugal emerging as a key destination for skilled and semi-skilled workers, this initiative reaffirms the country’s commitment to integrating foreign workers into its labor market and providing them with a clear pathway to legal residency.

Final Thoughts

The launch of this platform is a welcome development for immigrants seeking legal status in Portugal. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and offering a second chance to those whose applications were rejected, the Portuguese government is demonstrating its dedication to fair and efficient immigration policies.

As this new system takes effect, it is expected that thousands of immigrants will benefit from the expedited processing times and simplified requirements. Moving forward, continued improvements in immigration policies and digital accessibility will be crucial in ensuring that Portugal remains an attractive destination for international talent.

For individuals seeking assistance with immigration in Europe, professional services such as ICC Immigration can guide the latest requirements and help navigate the evolving legal landscape.