The Agency for Migrations, Integration and Asylum (AIMA) recently announced significant changes in the procedures for foreigners conducting their Expression of Interest (EOI).
The aim of AIMA, according to themselves, is to “modernize their procedures, aiming to provide a faster and better-quality service to their users”.
In this post, we explain what has changed and the impact it may have on your process.
- Anticipation of Payment
-
- What changed: The main change is the requirement for the advance payment of the Unique Collection Document (DUC) to schedule a visit to an AIMA delegation and submit the necessary documents, in addition to collecting the applicant’s biometric data.
- Expected impact: Previously, this payment was only made on the day of the appointment. With this change, AIMA aims to ensure the maintenance of interest from applicants, who currently wait about two years for scheduling.
- Challenges with the Mobile Phone Number
-
- Problem: One of the potential complications of this new requirement is the validation of the applicant’s account using the same mobile phone number initially provided. Two years later, the number may no longer be the same, making it impossible for the applicant to make the payment within the 10 working days established by AIMA to maintain the process.
- Solution: It is important to keep all your information updated with AIMA to avoid setbacks.
- Shortage of Dates for Scheduling
-
- Current Reality: Another issue foreseen is the lack of available dates for scheduling, which is already a reality and is likely to persist for this type of process.
- Consequence: It is expected that, even by paying the fees in advance, the applicant may still have to wait indefinitely for the assignment of a scheduling date.
If you are in this situation or want to learn more about this topic, do not hesitate to contact our team of lawyers who will do their best to provide the necessary legal support, making your process as smooth as possible.
