High Commission of Migration Will Have Some Changes

According to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the administrative duties of the SEF – The Immigration and Border Service will be transferred to the Portuguese Agency for Migration and Asylum (APMA), which will also integrate the High Commission for Migration.

During a recent regimental hearing at the Commission for Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of the Portuguese Parliament, Ana Catarina Mendes, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, disclosed that the law related to the restructuring of SEF, incorporates provisions for integrating the High Commission for Migration into APMA.

"APMA should mark the beginning of a new era in Portugal's approach to receiving and integrating refugees and migrants," argued the Deputy Minister and Parliamentary Affairs.

As stated by the Minister, the process of restructuring SEF has been challenging, as migration is a complex issue that demands a shift in approach and mindset. Ana Catarina Mendes stressed that Portugal "is no longer just a country of emigrants", but has become a "country of immigration".

The minister emphasised the need to adjust migration policies to these changes, stating that the APMA aims to become a reliable and steadfast entity for individuals who select Portugal as their destination for starting anew. Additionally, the minister mentioned that the new agency will assume responsibility for administrative and documentation-related matters, as well as facilitating the reception and integration of migrants.

Source: Lusa