AIMA employees are going on strike on October 6: What should foreign residents with appointments know?

Sindicato dos Técnicos de Migração, representing employees at AIMA, the Portuguese Immigration and Asylum Agency, declared a 24-hour nationwide strike for October 6, 2026.

The strike decision came after employees argued that their demands regarding wages and professional status were not met. One of the union's main demands is that AIMA's technical staff working in the field of migration should be given a payment similar to the special duty support offered for PSP and GNR staff working on border duties.

The decision should be followed closely, especially for foreign residents who have AIMA appointments on October 6.

Why was the strike declared?

Sindicato dos Técnicos de Migração wants a special career structure to be created that takes into account the characteristics of the work performed by AIMA staff and a salary regulation accordingly.

The union also states that it has requested a meeting with the government, but has not been called to the meeting yet by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

One of the issues at the center of the debate is the special payment for PSP and GNR members working at border controls.

The union argues that AIMA technical staff working in the field of immigration and foreigners should also benefit from a similar regulation due to the characteristics of their work.

The strike will last 24 hours

According to the currently announced schedule, the strike will take place for 24 hours on October 6.

This means that all AIMA service points will be closed on that day. It doesn't mean.

The actual operational impact of a strike depends on the participation rate and the minimum services the organization can provide.

Therefore, it is not possible to give a definitive list of which AIMA stores or services will operate on October 6.

What should those who have an AIMA appointment on October 6 do?

For now, there is no general announcement published by AIMA regarding the automatic cancellation of appointments.

Therefore, there is no reason at this stage for people with appointments to cancel or change their appointments on their own.

However, as the date approaches, AIMA's official website and sent SMS/e-mail notifications should be checked.

AIMA can also be expected to make a statement on how to reschedule appointments that cannot be served due to the strike.

Could the strike not happen?

Yes.

The fact that a strike call has been made does not mean that an agreement cannot be reached between the parties by October 6.

The strike may be withdrawn if an agreement is reached between the government and the union.

Therefore, the correct statement as of today is:

AIMA workers called for 24-hour national strike for 6 October; However, it is not yet clear which services the strike will affect and to what extent.

Resources

Renascença — “Convocada strikee de 24 horas dos trabalhadores da AIMA”, September 24 2026

https://rr.pt/noticia/pais/2026/09/24/convocada-greve-de-24-horas-dos-trabalhadores-da-aima/486654/

Observador / Lusa — “Greve na AIMA a 6 de outubro”, 24 September 2026

https://observador.pt/2026/09/24/greve-na-aima-a-6-de-outubro-sindicato-quer-subsidio-de-especificidade-que-mai-propos-a-psp-e-gnr/