Issues with passport applications due to computer malfunctions
As early August 2025 approaches, the persistent IT issues plaguing the computer applications used by Portuguese registry offices continue to cause significant delays, particularly in the issuance of urgent documents such as passports and PEPs.
The Registry and Notary Workers' Union (STRN) has reiterated its call for the government to take urgent measures to resolve the ongoing IT problems, which the union claims have been causing system malfunctions for weeks. According to the union's statement, these malfunctions are particularly problematic during the holiday period due to increased demand and a shortage of human resources.
The union's concerns center around the impact of the technological failures on the issuance of urgent documents, such as the PEP. The union's public denouncement of the problems in the computer applications used by the registries reflects the ongoing issues with these systems.
The malfunctions are not limited to specific registry offices, but rather occur across the country, as evidenced by the recent critical system malfunctions reported in Arruda dos Vinhos and Caldas da Rainha. Despite these issues, no response or clarification has been provided by the government so far.
In an attempt to alleviate the situation, the Ministry of Justice has contacted the Institute of Registries and Notaries and has asked for a response. Additionally, transitional arrangements have been implemented for some related administrative services, such as shifting residence permit renewals from registry offices to the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). This move is intended to reduce registry office workloads and streamline some processes.
Despite these efforts, no definitive fix date or detailed action plan has been disclosed in the available information. The government is, however, keeping the passport system operational as best as possible and communicating about the challenges publicly.
As the holiday season approaches, the STRN, chaired by Arménio Maximino, has emphasized that the technological failures are more pronounced during this period due to increased demand and a shortage of human resources. The union's call for action serves as a reminder of the urgency to address these ongoing issues and ensure the smooth operation of vital services like document issuance.
[1] STRN Statement, August 2025. [2] STRN Press Release, August 2025. [3] Ministry of Justice Communication, August 2025. [4] AIMA Announcement, August 2025. [5] STRN Interview with Portuguese News Outlet, August 2025.
- The ongoing IT problems in the computer applications used by Portuguese registry offices, as highlighted by the STRN, are particularly exacerbated during the holiday season due to increased demand and a shortage of human resources, making it crucial to address these technological issues urgently.
- The public denouncement of the problems in the computer applications used by the registries by the STRN, the multiple reports of critical system malfunctions across the country, and the lack of a disclosed fix date or detailed action plan from the government all underscore the need for innovative technological solutions to resolve these persistent IT issues.
