The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is calling for the creation of a specialized court to handle the massive backlog of immigration-related lawsuits. João Massano, head of the Lisbon Regional Council, estimated that there are currently 200,000 cases pending in administrative courts against the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). Visa holders and those awaiting residency should note that the proposal aims to speed up judicial decisions through mediation and specialized judges.
Bar Association proposes specialized court for 200,000 immigration cases
Monday, 9 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is the professional body that regulates lawyers in Portugal, manages ethics and professional registration, and organises legal aid and court-appointed defence. The association can set up permanent teams of court-appointed lawyers if it judges the current system inadequate, which is why the Ministry of Justice said it would not object to such a move.
João Massano is the President of the Lisbon Regional Council of the Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados). He is currently highlighting the backlog of 200,000 cases in administrative courts involving the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo or AIMA). Those awaiting residency should note his proposal for specialized judicial branches to speed up these pending immigration proceedings.
