Fixando, an online contract services website in Portugal, saw a sharp increase in demand of 40% for immigration lawyers in July compared to the previous month.
And the steep upward trend is likely to be down to recent changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law announced on June 26.
The majority of requests have to do with permanent residency processes (27%), authorisation for residency for work (work permits) (15%), and naturalisation (8%).
It should be noted that 57% of applicants are in different situations, such as expired visas, lack of documents or awaiting regularization with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
The increasing complexity and chronic delays at AIMA have led immigrants to seek specialised legal support to speed up processes and guarantee rights. Even in the face of high demand, 59% of clients were able to contact a specialised lawyer.
“The scenario of administrative omissions, lack of response and legal uncertainty has led immigrants to resort to the courts as the only way to guarantee their fundamental rights,” says Marcelo Pimenta, a lawyer specializing in Immigration Law.
The initial consultation with an immigration lawyer starts at €60, while an application for nationality can cost from €500, including IRN fees.
In addition to Brazilians, there is a growing demand from citizens of the Indian subcontinent, as well as Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), highlighting the diversity of nationalities affected by administrative inefficiency.
Source: Essential Business
