The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) has started sending notifications to foreign nationals who have been refused legal residency in Portugal. Approximately 18,000 cases have already been declined, resulting in rejections for residency permits.
The first batch of notifications, including 4,574 rejections, began being sent out on May 6, 2025. The remaining notifications will be sent over the following weeks.
Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, clarified that these decisions concern applicants whose processes have already been reviewed and rejected. Specifically, this applies to situations where:
- people already have orders to leave Europe or measures taken by other European countries,
- the individual has an entry ban in the Schengen area,
- there are criminal offenses in the individual’s records, making them ineligible for residency permits under Portuguese law.
What Happens After Receiving the Notification?
Upon receiving the official notification, foreign nationals have up to 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily. Otherwise, a coercive removal process may be initiated.
The Minister also noted that the government currently faces challenges in carrying out these processes but is already coordinating efforts with the police and other authorities.
If you have received such a notification from AIMA, we strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer immediately to understand your rights, possible actions, and risks.
You can read more about the situation in the Diário de Notícias article:
🔗 18,000 immigrants will be notified to leave the country in the coming weeks