The unveiling of the new Nationality Platform at the Central Registries of Lisbon marks a significant leap forward in the evolution of Portuguese citizenship processes. This groundbreaking initiative, launched on December 20th, 2023, promises to simplify and expedite the acquisition of Portuguese nationality through the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches.
The event, attended by key dignitaries including the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization, Mário Campolargo, the Secretary of State for Justice, Pedro Ferrão Tavares, and the IRN Board of Directors, showcased the commitment to transforming the traditional registry system. President of IRN, Filomena Rosa, emphasized that the shift goes beyond mere digitization; it is about changing the paradigm and establishing greater interoperability.
The new Nationality Platform is part of a comprehensive set of measures that includes the recovery of nationality processes, the development of new platforms, facility renovation, procedure and workflow reviews, and change management. Filomena Rosa highlighted the goal of providing workers with all the necessary data to perform their tasks swiftly, fostering a more efficient and effective operational environment.
Isabel Almeida, the Registrar of Records and coordinator of the Nationality working group detailed the potential of the new system. She emphasized its role in reforming the way processes are handled, making up for lost time, and improving the overall quality of work. The system aims to streamline processes and boost productivity, ultimately enhancing the experience for both workers and applicants.
Mário Campolargo commended the initiative, stating that the Justice sector, through administrative modernization and initiatives like SIMPLEX, serves as a beacon for positive change, improving the lives of citizens and workers alike. Pedro Ferrão Tavares echoed this sentiment, highlighting the active participation of citizens, professionals, partners, and workers in the development process, ensuring a system that addresses their needs.
The recently renovated Central Registries of Lisbon served as the venue for the event, reflecting the stage of renewal in progress. Architect Nuno Miranda explained the guiding principles of the renovation project, focusing on functionality, privacy, and comfort to enhance user experience and working conditions.
The new platform’s impact on nationality processes is expected to be transformative. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and interoperability with entities such as PJ, DGAJ, and AIMA, the BackOffice automates tasks, bringing efficiency to the forefront. Integration with the Civil Registration system not only accelerates processes but also ensures security and transparency.
Funded by the PRR, this project has an initial allocation of 1.4 million euros, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernize citizen services. The launch of the platform represents a crucial phase in the evolution of nationality processes, building on the success of the Online Nationality service introduced in February. With online submission becoming mandatory for representatives in November, the efficiency of services has already seen a positive impact, with over 16 thousand requests submitted through this channel.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the Nationality Platform at the Central Registries of Lisbon signifies a momentous stride towards a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric approach to nationality processes. The integration of technology, stakeholder collaboration, and commitment to modernization herald a new era for Portuguese citizenship acquisition, promising enhanced services and streamlined procedures for the benefit of both applicants and government agencies involved.
