Portugal reaffirms Commitment to Humanitarian Response amid Global Displacement Surge
As reported on 3 November by Público newspaper, Ana Catarina Mendes, the Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, underscored Portugal’s dedication to addressing the escalating global displacement crisis. Mendes highlighted that the rise in global conflicts is expected to result in a surge of displaced individuals and affirmed that Portugal will continue its tradition of welcoming them. During her visit to the new office of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in Faro, Mendes emphasised the country’s humanitarian commitment. She noted that Portugal has consistently responded to requests to host migrants under the European solidarity mechanism.
Regarding the 347,000 pending legalisation cases inherited from the now-defunct SEF, Mendes clarified that these situations are irregular rather than illegal and require resolution. To address this issue, AIMA is set to launch a ‘mega-operation’ in the first quarter of 2024, leveraging a combination of technology and in-person services. This initiative will be conducted in collaboration with local councils and regional coordination and development commissions.
Additionally, Mendes announced the forthcoming launch of a portal for family reunification applications by the end of 2023. Plans for 2024 include the introduction of a new portal for the issuance and renewal of residence permits, alongside the establishment of a call centre and a Portuguese language teaching programme tailored for immigrants.