Portugal Rejects Over 33,000 Residency Applications, Orders Foreigners to Leave

Lisbon. In a major move, Portugal's immigration authority has rejected nearly 34,000 residency applications, triggering alarm among thousands of migrants. The rejected individuals have now been instructed to voluntarily leave the country within a strict deadline.

Thousands Affected by Portugal’s AIMA Residency Crackdown

Portugal’s immigration agency, AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), has turned down 33,983 residency applications submitted by foreign nationals. Of those affected, approximately 1,000 people have already been ordered to leave the country voluntarily.

This development has created waves across several migrant communities, especially in South Asia. According to AIMA, the rejections are based on criteria linked to legal documentation, work contracts, and immigration compliance.

Here's the breakdown by nationality of rejected applicants:

• India: 13,466

• Brazil: 5,386

• Bangladesh: 3,750

• Nepal: 3,279

• Pakistan: 3,005

• Others: 2,790

The affected individuals now face a strict 20-day deadline to leave Portugal voluntarily. Failure to do so may lead to forced deportation procedures.

Voluntary Departure and Legal Rights

Those who received rejections still have options. AIMA has made it clear that legal appeals—either administrative or judicial—are available. However, legal experts are urging affected individuals to act immediately.

Immigration lawyers recommend the following steps:

1. Read the rejection notice carefully to understand the reason.

2. Seek professional legal advice without delay.

3. Prepare documentation and take action before the 20-day deadline expires.

Delaying any response could severely complicate an individual’s legal standing, potentially affecting future residency or reentry prospects.

Uncertainty for Migrant Communities

The decision is already sparking anxiety among immigrant groups. With Indian, Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani nationals forming a significant portion of the affected population, community leaders are calling for greater clarity from AIMA and urging embassies to step in.

While AIMA maintains that the rejections are legally sound, migrant rights groups argue that many of these individuals had been working and contributing to the economy for years. They are now urging the Portuguese government to consider humanitarian grounds and revise the review process.

As of now, no mass deportation has begun, but the legal clock is ticking fast. Many are now scrambling for solutions in what is being seen as one of the most dramatic immigration enforcement actions in Portugal’s recent history.