Portuguese Bar Association Opens Complaint Channel Against AIMA Portugal

The Portuguese Bar Association (OA) launches a new complaint channel for AIMA Portugal-related issues. Learn what it means for lawyers, migrants, and businesses in Portugal.

The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados, OA) has launched a new dedicated communication channel to collect formal complaints against the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA Portugal).

This channel allows lawyers to report operational issues, service inconsistencies, or procedural irregularities within AIMA Portugal.

This initiative represents a significant step toward transparency and accountability within Portugal’s immigration system — a system that has faced heavy criticism for delays, lack of consistency, and poor communication with professionals and applicants.

In this article, INLIS Consulting explores:

• What this new OA–AIMA complaint channel is and how it works.

• Why it was created and what problems it aims to solve.

• The main concerns lawyers have raised about AIMA.

• How this initiative affects migrants, professionals, and businesses.

• How INLIS Consulting can help you navigate the changes.

1. What Is the New OA–AIMA Complaint Channel?

The Portuguese Bar Association (OA) now offers a form — accessible through its members’ online portal — that allows lawyers to report cases of mismanagement, delay, or unequal treatment in AIMA’s services.

This system enables the OA to collect structured data and send it to AIMA in batches, facilitating communication between the two institutions and helping to identify patterns of inefficiency or legal breaches.

How It Works

1. The lawyer logs into their reserved OA portal.

2. They fill in the form “Canal Advogado – AIMA.”

3. The form requests details such as case number, office location, date, and nature of the issue.

4. The OA compiles and forwards the reports to AIMA.

5. AIMA is expected to respond to or act on recurring issues reported through the system.

According to the OA, the goal is not to amplify criticism but to gather data that can guide both institutions toward a more effective and uniform immigration process.

2. Why Now? Background and Context

AIMA Under Pressure

AIMA, Portugal’s public agency responsible for integration, migration, and asylum, has faced strong criticism due to massive backlogs, administrative delays, and regional inconsistencies. The OA has confirmed that AIMA is one of the two most complained-about public institutions in Portugal, alongside the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN).

Lawyers often report frustration when dealing with AIMA, especially in cases where different regional offices apply different rules or reject documents inconsistently.

Inequality and Access Issues

A persistent complaint has been the lack of uniformity: a document accepted in one AIMA office might be rejected in another, causing confusion and delays for both lawyers and clients.

Some lawyers have even been forced to take AIMA to court to obtain responses to pending requests — a sign that the system, as it stands, does not guarantee equal access to public services.

Institutional Cooperation

By collaborating directly with AIMA, the OA aims to collect concrete data from lawyers that can help improve the quality and responsiveness of public services related to migration and asylum.

3. Common Complaints About AIMA

The main concerns raised by lawyers and clients include:

• Excessive delays in processing residence permits and other requests.

• Inconsistent interpretations of the law between regional AIMA offices.

• Lack of response to emails or calls, forcing applicants into litigation.

• Access restrictions or failure to respect lawyers’ professional rights.

What Changes With the New Channel

• Lawyers now have an official, structured way to report issues.

• AIMA will receive data-driven feedback instead of isolated complaints.

• Potential reduction in court cases, as issues can be resolved administratively.

• More transparency and better accountability across the immigration process.

4. Impact on Migrants, Professionals, and Companies

Although the OA–AIMA channel is designed for lawyers, its impact will likely reach migrants, international professionals, NGOs, and companies working in mobility or HR compliance.

For Lawyers

Lawyers can use this system to document issues more systematically, strengthening their advocacy for clients facing procedural obstacles.

For Migrants and Asylum Seekers

A more accountable AIMA means faster, more predictable, and fairer processing of immigration and residence requests.

For Companies and Employers

Businesses employing or sponsoring foreign workers can benefit from clearer communication and faster document approvals, improving workforce mobility and compliance management.

For Consulting and Mobility Services

Entities like INLIS Consulting can use this information to monitor AIMA’s performance, anticipate delays, and help clients prepare stronger documentation — ensuring fewer complications during applications.

5. How to Make the Most of This Change

If you or your clients deal with AIMA, here’s how to prepare:

1. Keep detailed records — Always document communications, submission dates, and correspondence with AIMA.

2. Work with a qualified lawyer — Ensure your legal representative is registered with the OA and can report issues through the new channel.

3. Provide structured feedback — Encourage your lawyer to use the form when relevant.

4. Track pending processes — Identify any cases that have been delayed or mishandled.

5. Monitor improvements — As the OA–AIMA cooperation evolves, adjust your internal or personal strategy based on observed progress.

6. What This Means for INLIS Consulting Clients

At INLIS Consulting, we view this development as a positive move toward greater transparency and fairness in Portugal’s migration system.

Here’s how it benefits our clients:

• Improved predictability in migration and residence processes.

• Better alignment between lawyers, clients, and public institutions.

• Reduced administrative risk for freelancers, expats, and international entrepreneurs.

• Enhanced legal support through our partnerships with trusted immigration lawyers.

By staying informed and proactive, INLIS Consulting helps clients navigate Portugal’s evolving legal and administrative landscape with confidence.

Conclusion

The new OA–AIMA complaint channel marks an important institutional shift in how Portugal handles immigration, integration, and asylum cases.

It empowers lawyers to report issues effectively, helps AIMA identify structural problems, and ultimately benefits migrants, expats, and businesses by improving communication and accountability.

At INLIS Consulting, we help individuals and companies navigate the Portuguese bureaucracy efficiently — from tax registration and freelancer setup to immigration support and legal coordination.

If you or your clients are affected by delays or inconsistencies in AIMA procedures, our consultants can connect you with professionals who understand the system and can advocate for smoother, faster outcomes.