Individual application data/timelines have been shared at : Awaiting Pre-Approval (Stage 2) (supplemented by) SEF processing time for initial application?
There was slow but steady movement on pre-approvals in January and much of February 2022, despite the election, budget not approved, and no Government in office. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, SEF have been processing refugee requests, (the volume and need prompting them to volunteer free time). Activity on the SEF-ARI portal is halted. https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/pais/1964043/mais-de-24-mil-refugiados-da-ucrania-com-protecao-temporaria-em-portugal.
The majority Socialist Party Government will be sworn in tomorrow, and all signs are that the budget will be discussed as early as possible thereafter. SEF now comes under the new Minister of Internal Affairs -José LuÃs Carneiro, No 2 in the Party machine. Unfortunately, in most countries, being head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs involves frequent sips from a poisoned chalice. SEF have already requested that he re-evaluate their extinction - approved by Parliament, with implementation postponed to May 2022. Something to watch.
Total GV approvals (and consequently GV/ARI’s contribution to the country’s coffers) declined in March 2022 compared with January & February 2022 approvals: https://www.sef.pt/pt/pages/conteudo-detalhe.aspx?nID=93.