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🇵🇹 Effective Today: SEF is Over. Welcome AIMA, Portugal's New Immigration Era
Portugal restructures its immigration authority. SEF has been abolished by Decree-Law no. 41/2023 and the new Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) takes over.
Effective today, October 29, 2023, Portugal is restructuring its immigration authority. The Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) has been officially abolished by Decree-Law no. 41/2023, of June 2, and we welcome the new Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
This change aims to modernize and “streamline immigration and asylum services” by separating law enforcement duties from service-oriented functions.
- What Changes in Practice:
- AIMA (Civil Agency): Will manage all administrative immigration and integration services: visa applications, residence permits, renewals, and asylum requests.
- PSP/GNR (Police Forces): Assume police tasks, including border control and immigration enforcement, with the PSP creating the new UNEF (National Unit of Foreigners and Borders) unit for urban areas and airports.
- For Foreign Residents: All pending SEF processes have been transferred to AIMA. Applications for residence permits and renewals will now be coordinated through AIMA’s platforms and offices. It is crucial for residents to pay close attention to official announcements from AIMA and the Official Gazette to stay updated on the new procedures. The government’s intent is that this transition will lead to more efficient service in the long term.