Portugal's AIMA Marks Third Anniversary Amid Calls for Staffing Boost and Budget Transparency
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Staff numbers rose only 18% in three years while the foreign resident population grew 60%
- 2027 budget proposes a 38.6% increase to €135 million, yet spending details remain vague
- AIMA cut immigration liaison officers in embassies across Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea‑Bissau, India, China and the UK
Staff Shortages and Liaison Officers
The Migration Technicians Union (STM) warned that the efforts of AIMA's workers and sociocultural mediators remain unanswered on the agency's third anniversary. It specifically demands the reinstatement of immigration liaison officers that were removed this year from key embassies in Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea‑Bissau, India, China and the United Kingdom.
Budget Transparency and Independent Audit Request
STM points out that the proposed 2027 State Budget allocates a 38.6% increase, bringing AIMA's funding to €135 million. However, the union questions how much of this boost will actually fund new hires, training, equipment and facilities, noting that the agency generated €101 million in revenue against €39 million in costs.
If the agency does not provide a clear accounting, STM says it will request an independent audit and insists on continuous training, decent equipment and dignified working conditions for its staff.
Sources
Sindicato assinala três anos da AIMA com reivindicações sem resposta