Ordem dos Advogados accuses AIMA of hindering immigrant legal defense

The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) has accused the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) of hindering the legal defense of immigrants. Following a visit to the AIMA facility in Lisbon, the association's president, João Massano, reported significant systemic issues.

Key criticisms include disproportionate waiting times and long queues that force lawyers to arrive in the early morning hours. Massano also highlighted a lack of regular information, the absence of dedicated communication channels, and non-standardized procedures. Furthermore, the association noted that the institution's online portal provides incorrect or outdated information, which complicates the ability of legal professionals to provide accurate guidance to their clients.

The Ordem dos Advogados stated that insufficient human resources are compromising the efficiency and quality of the service. The association is calling for investment in an online platform to mitigate these service issues and intends to raise these concerns in regular meetings with AIMA leadership.