Is there anybody else who is getting affected by the week-long AIMA strike between June 1st and June 5th? My wife’s (main investor) biometrics is scheduled on June 3rd (Lisbon office). Our lawyers (IAS) have been telling us to make the trip as they have not received a formal cancellation/reshedule notice from the AIMA but everything we read on the media is that most probably the appoinment will not go ahead. Any futher info/advice on the subject will be appreciated.
Not sure if AIMA ever bothers to notify people in advance re: strikes.
You could ask @ILiveinHope and @amn07000 about their experiences below…
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No, they didn’t notify, but it was well publicized. To update on what has subsequently happened: just to be clear this was a renewal appointment not a first card appointment so my daughter was not required to attend. Apparently they are no longer taking in person appointments for renewals so my lawyer has been trying to do her renewal online. The whole thing is now delayed for almost 6 months. I think that they will probably reschedule you if this is your first appointment to collect your biometrics. I really hope you are not pushed out another 6 months like my daughter. The problem is that we had all her documents as well as police clearance apostilled and all were valid at the time of the appointment. My lawyer did actually go to AIMA on the day and managed to speak to someone there. She got some kind of assurance that all documents would still be valid on the new appointment date, so perhaps this is something your lawyer could do.
I really feel for you, it is so disheartening when you finally get the appointment and then it does not go ahead through no fault of your own.
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My biometrics appointment was on Friday 29th May in the afternoon- the last working day before the strike. Reached there 15 minutes before the appointment time. Called in 30 minutes after the appointment time, and in and out in 15 minutes. After 3 years from initial application, finally felt that I caught a small break.
- Biometrics appointment was on the first day of the strike (lucky me
, Lisbon 1st of June 11:30 - Total wait time was almost 180 minutes but even though it was the first day of the strike , I got my biometrics taken and finished the process without any problems (other than a long wait)
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My wife was able to finish her appointment too. She told me they only did the absolutely necessary steps, like fingerprints, and our lawyer still needs to follow up with AIMA on a few extra things. But the most important part is that she doesn’t need to go back again, at least for this step