AIMA announced its data: Transactions increased by more than 60 percent, complaint rate decreased from 6.9 percent to 2.7 percent

Portuguese Immigration and Asylum Agency AIMA announced that the number of actual atendimentos carried out at Lojas AIMA points in the first half of 2026 increased by more than 60 percent compared to the same period last year.

According to the institution's own data, while the number of complaints decreased by 35.8 percent in the same period, the average complaint rate compared to the transactions carried out decreased from 6.9 percent in 2025 to 2.7 percent in 2026.

Figures are based on AIMA's own service performance data. Therefore, it shows an improvement in the operational performance of the institution, but it does not mean that all pending files or appointment problems of immigrants in Portugal have been resolved.

More than 60 percent increase in processing capacity

According to data published by AIMA on September 11, the actual number of atendimentos completed at Lojas AIMA in the January–June 2026 period increased by more than 60 percent compared to the same six-month period in 2025.

The institution states that the increase was seen in all six months examined and that the reorganization of operations increased service capacity.

Complaints decreased by 35.8 percent

The second important indicator announced by AIMA is complaints.

The number of complaints recorded in the January–June period decreased by 35.8 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

The more striking change was seen in the ratio of complaints to actions taken.

Average rate according to AIMA data:

In the first half of 2025: 6.9%

first of 2026 half: 2.7%

fell to the level.

Approximately 32 positive feedback per month

AIMA announced that during the same period, Lojas AIMA received an average of approximately 32 “elogios”, or positive reviews from citizens, per month.

The institution also states that it participates in the Livro Amarelo Eletrónico system, allowing citizens to send complaints, suggestions and positive evaluations electronically.

What don't the numbers show?

Although the data announced by AIMA is an important performance indicator, its scope must be read correctly.

These are institution data on atendimento performance in Lojas AIMA. It is not a general immigrant satisfaction survey that measures the number of all pending residence files, decision times, or all problems experienced in finding an appointment.

Therefore, it would not be correct to conclude that "the problems in AIMA are over".

However, the transaction increase of over 60 percent and the significant decrease in the complaint rate indicate that the institution is reporting a measurable improvement in face-to-face service capacity in the first half of 2026.

Resources

AIMA — September 11, 2026

https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/aima-aumenta-mais-de-60-os-atendimentos-reduz-reclamacoes-e-regista-aumento-de-elogios-no-primeiro-semestre-de-2026

The Portugal News — 15 September 2026

https://www.theportugalnews.com/pt/noticias/2026-09-15/as-queixas-a-aima-diminuem-a-medida-que-os-elogios-dos-cidadaos-aumentam/1086645