# Portugal AIMA agency operational and leadership changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-aima-agency-operational-and-leadership-changes > Updated: 2026-09-21T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. In the first half of 2026, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) reported a significant increase in service efficiency. Data indicated that effective appointments rose by more than 60% compared to the same period in 2025, while the average complaint rate dropped from 6.9% to 2.7%. The agency attributed these improvements to modernization efforts and operational reorganization. However, the agency subsequently faced a leadership transition following the departure of its president. Pedro Portugal Gaspar, who has led AIMA since July 2024, is stepping down to join the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority (AdC), a move subject to a parliamentary hearing. The Sindicato dos Técnicos de Migração (STM) has criticized the departure, describing it as a sign of “political disorientation.” STM president Manuela Niza emphasized that the agency requires a leader with specific expertise in the migration sector. According to AIMA’s 2025 Migration and Asylum Report, Portugal recorded 1,585,854 foreign residents at the end of 2025. While this reflects an increase of 38,000 people over the previous year, the growth rate slowed significantly from 18.3% in 2024 to 2.7% in 2025. Secretary of State for Immigration Rui Armindo Freitas stated these figures demonstrate the success of policies aimed at stabilizing immigration through regularized channels, marking a shift away from previously “uncontrolled” policies toward a system with clearer rules. Despite these policy shifts, the STM continues to express concern that the leadership change undermines the stability needed to manage residency procedures and structural demands. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Portugal immigration data shows growth slowdown as AIMA president departs Portugal's foreign resident population reached 1.58 million in 2025, showing a slowed growth rate. Meanwhile, AIMA president Pedro Portugal Gaspar is leaving the agency, sparking concerns over leadership. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aima-leadership-transition-sparks-criticism-from-migration-union ### 2026-09-11: AIMA increases service appointments by over 60% in first half of 2026 Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) reported a 60% increase in service appointments and a 35.8% drop in complaints during the first half of 2026. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aima-increases-service-appointments-by-over-60-in-first-half-of-2026 --- Cite as: Portugal AIMA agency operational and leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-aima-agency-operational-and-leadership-changes