The call is being made via email, so the agency asks that those affected check their inboxes, including spam folders.

The notice was issued by AIMA via social media. The agency also warned that the cards can be collected only at the AIMA offices on the days indicated in the notice, emphasising that this can be done only upon presentation of the notice.

AIMA also asks immigrants residing in Portugal to keep their addresses and contact details up to date with the entities with which they are involved, to facilitate administrative processes.

There is a pressing need to return the cards, as some foreign nationals risk losing their jobs and being confined to the country due to a lack of residence permits.

The agency also asked immigrants to be properly documented, as otherwise they risk being deported by the National Foreigners and Borders Unit (UNEF).