How do I deal with a non-responsive embassy ?

ibrahim guoual belhamidi · 2023-11-27T02:07:25+01:00

Struggling with a non-responsive Portuguese embassy for a D1 visa? Discover practical tips and share experiences on dealing with delays and appointments.

ibrahim guoual belhamidi New member

Member since 27 November 2023

ibrahim guoual belhamidiNew member27 November 2023 00:07:25

i have been accepted in a Portuguese company, i am not from Europe so i need a D1 visa i tried to contact the embassy to book an appointment via phone, but i have instructed me to email them asking for an appointment with the invitation letter, after 30 days nothing, after nearly 4 months 50 emails, 30 calls, and 3 letters, nothing! i have written a complaint to the ministry of exterior, but nothing i tried to go the the embassy in person they reject entry even to talk to the front desk. i am running out of options, any suggestions?

Kermarin Member

Member since 07 February 2022

KermarinMember27 November 2023 00:40:01

There is really no solution. The embassy is King of the Castle, and we have no rights, when it comes to the services of a foreign embassy. You need to conclude that they are not interested in you and/or anyone from your country. I speak from experience, as someone who lives in Asia. I don't want to bother reporting what certain Asians have reported to me regarding their experiences with trying to get the Portuguese embassy to deal with or talk to them. I always feel that Americans are "lucky" in the sense that some sort of organization exists over there to help them with the process of getting all their documents filed properly with the Portuguese embassy.

ibrahim guoual belhamidi New member

Member since 27 November 2023

ibrahim guoual belhamidiNew member27 November 2023 00:50:47

@Kermarin is there is any possibility for my employer (a portuguese company) to put pressure on them (the embassy)? if yes How so?锘�

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert27 November 2023 08:11:33

4909

Hi @ibrahim,

I think you mean the Portuguese embassy in Algeria, right? Try contacting the Algerian embassy in Lisbon, they might have a suggestion.

Bruper New member

Member since 23 September 2018

BruperNew member05 December 2023 17:38:10

it's not just for foreigners with nationalities extra european, the same thing is trying to go to my own italian embassy in Lisbon or anywhere in Europe to renew any kind of ID or whatever...

Same thing trying to get any services done from Portuguese services, especially in the big cities and I've being legally resident and with my own company since 30 years...

It seems that going digital, instead of facilitating things, it got worse....

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TGCampo Serial expat

Member since 30 August 2023

TGCampoSerial expat06 December 2023 15:58:45

268

This is all very sad to read. I have been working in a number of countries and always my employer (usually the HR department) has facilitated/supported the process of getting the work visa.

Having to deal with the public administratiuon of a number of EU countries I must say that (especially post Covid) things have one gone down hill. Getting anything - even very simple things - done can date months, if not years. It is really a drama. In the case of Portugal this should maybe teach you a lesson on what to expect.