"The information on the first single collection documents [DUC], relating to Timorese citizens who applied for renewal of their CPLP [Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries] residence permit, had a lapse in identifying the fee to be paid", said AIMA in response to Lusa.

The statement comes after the announcement of a gathering of Timorese on Thursday, in front of the AIMA facilities in Lisbon, under the slogan "Timor is also CPLP! No to discrimination", in protest against these citizens being charged substantially higher amounts than those paid by other immigrants in the community.

From February 14th until today, a DUC worth 397.90 euros was sent to Timorese immigrants for the purpose of renewing their CPLP Residence Permit, when the amount to be paid for citizens of this community is 56.80 euros.

However, AIMA assured that the oversight has already been corrected and that all Timorese citizens have been contacted, by email, "with the purpose of operationalising the return of any amount that may have been paid in excess".

The migration agency was unable to say how many immigrants paid the wrong fee or when the money would be returned to them.

In a statement from the organisers of the rally, they stated that "it is not understood how such a 'mistake' could have been made. Nor is it understood how AIMA took almost three weeks to recognize it. Nor is it understood why the only communication from AIMA on this matter is limited to a letter sent to the immigrants in question asking them to send an email so that the refund can be processed."

AIMA denies that Timorese immigrants have to contact the agency to have their money refunded.

Another issue raised at the demonstration is the "discrimination to which these immigrants have been subjected" which "also extends to the Expression of Interest processes (application for residence permit under articles 88 and 89 of Law 23/2007 of July 4)", indicate the protest organisers.

According to the document sent to Lusa, "the Timorese received a notification to pay the fees due in the amount of 397.90 euros, while the remaining immigrants from CPLP countries were charged 56.80 euros".

"In this context, AIMA must also return, as soon as possible, the money to the Timorese who paid 397.90 euros for the Residence Permit via Expression of Interest", requested the organization of the demonstration.

The CPLP is made up of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor.