The workers of the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) have announced a strike starting on August 22, 2024, primarily targeting overtime work, which will extend until the end of the year.
In a statement, the National Federation of Unions of Public and Social Workers (FNSTFPS) clarified that “this strike will last until the end of the year”, with the expectation that “it may be called off if AIMA takes the necessary steps to create the staff map with a sufficient number of workers to address pending requests and manage contacts with immigrants”.
The strike arises from deep-rooted concerns over inadequate staffing, overwhelming workloads, and frustrations with the ongoing transition from SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to AIMA.
AIMA workers have long been raising alarms about the unsustainable conditions they face, with more than 400,000 pending cases creating significant delays. The issues have been exacerbated by a recruitment process that many describe as opaque, further stressing an already strained system.
What This Means for Services
This strike introduces significant uncertainty regarding how services will be managed during this period. While strikes often include agreements on minimum service levels to mitigate the impact, no clear plan has been confirmed for this particular strike.
This lack of clarity creates a situation where it is nearly impossible to predict which services will be available and when. In practical terms, this means that scheduled appointments for immigration-related services are at risk of being delayed, rescheduled, or outright canceled.
Global’s Commitment to Supporting Clients
At Global International Relocation, we fully understand the challenges that this strike may pose to our clients and partners.
Rossana Veglia, Chief Mobility Officer at Global, shares that “despite the uncertainties, we are committed to maintaining all scheduled appointments and ensuring that our clients continue to receive the support they need throughout this period”.
One of our key advantages “is the consistent presence of our legal team at AIMA. Our lawyers attend AIMA offices on a weekly basis, allowing us to gather first-hand information and stay up-to-date with any developments that could impact our clients. By being on the ground regularly, we are able to anticipate changes, identify potential workarounds, and adjust strategies accordingly. This ongoing interaction with AIMA staff and officials puts us in a strong position to navigate the challenges brought on by the strike and provide our clients with the most accurate and timely guidance available”.
“We recognize that with the strike in effect, scheduled services may be disrupted without prior notice, and the lack of clarity around which appointments will be rescheduled, delayed, or canceled make the process impractical. We strongly recommend that clients and partners prepare for possible delays and remain flexible. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way”.
Jorge Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Global International Relocation, reiterates that “…we are committed to supporting our clients every step of the way, maintaining the continuous communication that defines us, to ensure regular updates to help manage the situation.”
