“We have been there frequently, taking into account the high number of people there, from a prevention perspective”, Sérgio Soares told Lusa, noting that the PSP Rapid Intervention Teams (EIR) had already been to the AIMA offices in Lisbon on Monday.

According to the spokesperson, the objective is to “avoid any change in public order” and, despite the high turnout, the situation has been under control.

In recent days, there has been a significant increase in the number of migrant citizens at AIMA offices, after the agency requested advance payment of scheduling costs to complete regularisation processes.

The requirement has generated doubts among immigrants, who have flocked to its facilities for information.

On Monday, AIMA said it would ask for help from immigrant community leaders to clarify the new procedures, hoping to normalise the situation by the end of the week.

According to AIMA, "a new procedure for handling expressions of interest was initiated, with the aim of gradually eliminating the telephone scheduling system, replacing it with digital systems by the end of the first quarter of next year".

This "new procedure will also eliminate the need for face-to-face payments, speeding up and simplifying service, thus making it possible to provide more places for citizens requesting this service", says AIMA.


Advanced payment

According to electronic messages sent last week to immigrants with expressions of interest who are waiting to schedule a meeting to complete their processes or as part of family reunification, AIMA demands advance payment of costs.

For spouses of immigrants in a regular situation, the cost is 33 euros, for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) the cost is 56.88 euros and for the rest, the total is 397.90 euros, payable in a few days.

After 10 working days, AIMA states that "it will make other attempts to contact users who remain interested in the procedure and have not paid" the amount in question.

So far, "more than 50,000 people have expressed their intention to make the payment".


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