Portugal signed a significant agreement with Colombia to enhance its passport production capabilities, marking a step toward technological sovereignty in issuing official documents. The deal, facilitated by Portugal’s Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN), involves a transfer of knowledge and technology from Colombia’s National Printing Office, which will begin implementation immediately. This partnership aims to modernize Portugal’s passport issuance process, addressing a backlog that saw 23,000 residency applications rejected in recent months due to delays, as reported by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The collaboration includes training programs for Portuguese staff and the adoption of advanced security features, with an initial target of producing 500,000 passports annually by mid-2026. The agreement follows Portugal’s recent success in the 86th Volta a Portugal bike race, concluded on August 5, 2025, where local cyclist João Almeida secured a stage win, boosting national pride. Additionally, the IRN reported that passport issuance times have improved, with 85% of applications processed within 30 days in July 2025, up from 65% earlier in the year. Posts on X highlight public interest in the deal, with users noting its potential to streamline immigration processes. The partnership reflects Portugal’s broader strategy to strengthen its administrative infrastructure, supported by a $45 million investment announced for related technology upgrades.
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