Mercan CMS

Category: Breaking News

  • Portugal Reviews ARI Processing: What Investors Need to Know About Biometric Appointment Updates

    The Portuguese government has recently implemented changes to the processing of Investment Residence Authorization (ARI) applications, specifically targeting investors awaiting biometric appointments. These modifications aim to enhance efficiency and address existing backlogs within the system.

    Key Changes

    The updates focus on prioritizing pending biometric appointments and streamlining the overall application workflow. This initiative seeks to expedite processing times for older applications while ensuring adherence to procedural requirements.

    Who Is Affected?

    These changes primarily impact investors whose applications are pending biometric appointments. Investors with applications that have already been formalized or completed remain unaffected by this update.

    Next Steps for Investors

    • Await Guidance: If your application falls into the affected category, our legal team will contact you next week with detailed instructions on how to proceed.
    • Direct Communication: Our lawyers are closely monitoring these developments and will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

    We are committed to keeping all investors informed and supported during this transition. Our team is actively working to adapt to these changes to ensure your application is handled efficiently.

    For any questions, please contact your lawyer or our support team directly.

    Stay updated by following our website for the latest news and developments regarding ARI application processing.

  • Portugal Golden Visa: Residency Period Start Clarification

    We are excited to bring to your attention a significant update regarding the submission date for residency applications. This development carries substantial implications for those aiming to apply for Portuguese citizenship after fulfilling the required residency period.

    We have received verbal confirmation from the immigration services in Porto, along with an official email confirmation from the Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade da Administração (AIMA), specifically from the Unidade de Apoio às Autorizações de Residência para Investimento (UARI), the department responsible for processing Golden Visa residencies. Both sources have confirmed that the submission date for residency applications will be recognized as the date the application is submitted online.

    This clarification is crucial as it establishes the starting point of the five-year residency period necessary for citizenship eligibility. According to the updated guidelines, the date you submit your application online will be counted as the official start of your residency period.

    While this update simplifies the process and provides a clear benchmark for applicants to understand when their residency period officially begins, it is essential to note that the regulation concerning this clarification has yet to be published, even though the deadline for publication has already passed. We are closely monitoring this situation and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

    At Mercan Group, we are dedicated to providing continuous support and timely updates about this.

  • Quebec Sets Limit on Family Sponsorship Applications

    Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration has imposed a cap on family sponsorship applications from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.

    The cap limits applications to 13,000:

    • 10,400 for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18+.
    • 2,600 for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.

    Exemptions apply to:

    • Dependent minor children.
    • Minor children for adoption.
    • Orphaned minor children of siblings or grandchildren.
    • Dependent adult children with disabilities.

    Once the cap is reached, no further applications will be accepted, and non-exempt applications will be returned.

    Stay informed and plan ahead to sponsor your family for Canadian immigration!

  • EU Parliament Approves Migration Procedure Time Reduction Law

    A momentous development has unfolded as the European Parliament greenlights fresh regulations designed to simplify legal migration within the European Union (EU). These regulations entail strict timelines for processing residence permit applications, slashing waiting periods to a maximum of 90 days. Such a streamlined approach is poised to compel EU member states to accelerate decision-making processes, curtailing bureaucratic bottlenecks for migrants.

    Of notable significance, the ratified measures confer enhanced mobility rights upon resident permit holders, facilitating seamless transitions between employers, professions, and sectors. This pivotal provision is anticipated to broaden job prospects and offer migrants greater career flexibility, aligning harmoniously with the dynamic demands of the EU labor landscape.

    Moreover, the legislation tackles concerns surrounding unemployment among permit holders by affording a grace period of up to three months (or six months for long-term permit holders) to secure alternative employment before facing permit revocation. This underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting migrants during transitional phases and mitigating the risks of social exclusion.

    This decision holds substantial ramifications, particularly for investors engaged in the Golden Visa program, notably in Portugal, where immigration processes have been plagued by severe backlogs.

    In essence, the European Parliament’s endorsement of streamlined migration regulations heralds a landmark stride towards forging a more efficient and inclusive migration framework within the EU. By prioritizing expedited decisions, expanding mobility rights, and addressing unemployment apprehensions, the legislation endeavors to cultivate an enabling environment for legal migrants to thrive while safeguarding their rights and interests. As EU member states commence the implementation of these reforms, the EU stands poised to inaugurate a new epoch of migration governance characterized by efficiency and transparency.

  • Breaking Boundaries: A New Chapter in Immigration Law with AIMA Collaboration

    We’re thrilled to share a groundbreaking development: the signing of a historic collaboration protocol between the Lawyers and Solicitors Bar Associations and AIMA. This significant agreement, finalized yesterday, paves the way for solicitors and lawyers to temporarily assess pending cases, thereby easing AIMA’s bureaucratic workload. Notably, this collaboration extends to processes related to granting residence with investment, including the gold visa.

    This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to address the backlog inherited from SEF and modernize legal processes. It underscores our unwavering advocacy and validates prior announcements regarding the government’s proactive stance on tackling the backlog.

    Part of a larger initiative aimed at resolving the backlog, this collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to managing immigration files, aligning with our advocacy alongside the government. While specific details of the agreement are still unfolding, its existence underscores our collective commitment to driving meaningful change and enhancing legal proceedings’ efficiency.

    This announcement holds great promise for our clients, reflecting both the Government and AIMA’s dedication to alleviating the backlog and enhancing legal services. By leveraging technology and legal expertise, we anticipate significant progress in expediting processes, enhancing transparency, and delivering superior outcomes.

    Rest assured, from our side, we’re fully committed to keeping you informed every step of the way as this collaboration unfolds and further initiatives take shape.

  • Important Update: Release of the Amendment to the Citizenship Law

    We are delighted to announce that the amendments to the Citizenship Law have been officially published today. As previously communicated, these amendments bring about significant changes to the citizenship application process. One crucial aspect of these changes is Article 15, which states: “For the purposes of counting legal residence periods provided for in the present law, the time elapsed since the moment in which the temporary residence permit was requested, provided that the same will be granted.”

    There has been some ambiguity regarding what constitutes the “request” for a temporary residence permit, especially concerning the process of acquiring a golden visa for citizenship purposes. As outlined in our previous article, available here, several possibilities exist, including:

    i) The online submission date
    ii) The date of payment of the online application
    iii) The date of biometrics
    iv) The date of biometrics with no notice of further documents missing
    v) Other moments

    Given the legislator’s intention to address the backlog affecting immigration proceedings, we anticipate that the date of online submission or payment will likely be considered as the “request” for residency calculations.

    While the law is already in effect, the regulation will be implemented within the next 90 days. Once this regulation is finalized, we will have a definitive answer to the question of what moment constitutes the request for a golden visa in the context of acquiring citizenship.

    Please be assured that the team at IAS is fully committed to providing you with comprehensive support and guidance throughout this process. We will continue to keep you informed of any further developments.

  • Important Update: Ruling by the Constitutional Court

    We are pleased to share an important update regarding proposed changes to immigration legislation in Portugal. Recently, the Portuguese Constitutional Law confirmed the compliance of these proposed changes with the Portuguese Constitution.

    The next critical phase in this process involves the document’s final ratification by the Republic’s President, a step we anticipate will occur shortly. Upon ratification, this amendment will significantly alter the calculation of the citizenship request timeline. Specifically, the five-year period required for submitting a citizenship request will no longer commence from the issuance date of your residency card. Instead, it will begin from the date of submission of the application. It is worth noting that the specific moment of submission of the application is yet to be defined by law but will be clarified in forthcoming regulations, expected to be published within the next three months following the publication of the law.

    We are fully prepared to offer our unwavering support and assistance with any inquiries or matters you may encounter throughout this process. Our steadfast commitment ensures you are well-informed and equipped to navigate these changes seamlessly.

  • Important Update on the Portugal Golden Visa Program!

    The Golden Visa program has recently undergone some changes which end the granting of residence permits based on real estate acquisition. Investors may obtain a permit under the Golden Visa to acquire shares/units in non-real estate collective investment funds.

    Mercan Hospitality Investment Funds:

    • Bridge View Hotel
    • Hard Rock Hotel Phase III
    • Alvor Phase II

    Key Details:
    Investment Amount: 500,000 EUROS to qualify for the golden visa

    Minimum Investment Time: 6 years

    Fund Type: Venture Capital in Hospitality

    Return: Enjoy a fixed 2% return per year

    Total Inv Fund: 140M EUR

    Exclusive Benefits: Receive 7 free nights per year in a double room at any hotel within the fund’s portfolio

    Returns are exempt from taxation in PT, if clients are not tax residents.

    Apply with Mercan Group by contacting us today!


     

  • Introducing Mercare: Mercan’s Premier Live-in Nanny and Caregiver Service

    Today, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of Mercare – a groundbreaking program aimed at revolutionizing live-in nanny and caregiver services in Canada.

    In the realm of immigration and support services, Mercan Group has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence and dedication to facilitating a seamless transition for individuals and families.

    Mercan Group, with its 34 years of expertise in immigration solutions, has become a trusted name for families seeking reliable support in their journey to Canada. Now, with Mercare, the company extends its dedication to providing top-notch services by introducing a tailored solution for Canadian families in need of professional and compassionate caregivers.

    Mercare is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for families across Canada. Our program connects families with qualified and experienced live-in nannies and caregivers, ensuring a harmonious match that meets both the family’s needs and the caregiver’s expertise.

    For Canadian families navigating the challenge of finding the right caregiver, Mercare stands out as the second-to-none choice. With Mercan Group’s reputation for excellence and the introduction of Mercare, families can now access a reliable and comprehensive solution for their live-in nanny and caregiver needs.

    Explore the possibilities today with Mercare – where compassionate care meets unmatched professionalism!

  • Fresh regulations aimed at modernizing and streamlining immigration procedures

    The Portuguese Government has set forth a plan for 2024 to expedite and streamline immigration proceedings in Portugal. This initiative is evident in the revised regulatory decree altering the legal framework for Foreign Law in Portugal (Law no. 23/2007).

    Recent amendments to the law, integrated within the “Mais Habitação” program, have notably led to the restructuring of SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, culminating in the establishment of the new agency AIMA – Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo, I. P. Consequently, it has become imperative to consolidate these recent changes in the legislation.

    The primary objective is to modernize and simplify the administrative processes currently overseen by immigration authorities. This overhaul aims to equip the new agency, AIMA, with the necessary tools to assess and expedite cases more efficiently, reducing bureaucratic hurdles while upholding heightened security standards.

    These measures align with the Government’s stated objective for the new agency to address the prevailing backlog and delays in application reviews.