The Portuguese government has chosen to strengthen its immigration policy by limiting the entry of people in an irregular situation and requiring foreigners to obtain a work permit.
From now on, holders of tourist visas will not be able to apply to settle in Portugal. Since 2017, the Aliens Law, approved by the socialist government of António Costa, has entered into force in the country, allowing the regulation of illegal immigrants who submit a declaration of interests.
However, the new Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, announced a set of 41 measures, including the immediate abolition of this type of regulation. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro did not mince his words: “The fact that we have a procedure that allows that a simple expression of interest can facilitate the uncontrolled entry of migrants into Portugal must end, and that is what will happen.” At the same time, the Portuguese government announced the creation of a dedicated structure to process nearly 400,000 pending residency applications.
“It is necessary to regulate migration to ensure people's dignity. Portugal should not and will not become a country closed to those who seek opportunities and who have the qualifications we need. But we cannot open our doors without oversight or support.” The Portuguese government is introducing a radical change in immigration policy, in contrast to the Socialists' policy that has been in force until now, and in line with policies that other European countries are also beginning to adopt.
Budget enhancement
This differs from Spain, which in May agreed to regularize the status of 500,000 illegal immigrants. The Immigration Action Plan presented by the Portuguese Government highlights citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as eligible profiles and university students. Border control will be undertaken by the recently created Aliens and Borders Unit, which will be integrated into the Public Security Police.
The Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency will also benefit from additional staff in order to speed up the current procedures. The plan provides for the creation of “a mission structure, equipped with additional human, material and financial resources, made possible thanks to exceptional recruitment procedures, the integration of AIMA staff, inspectors from the former SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) and other professionals to be recruited.”
The package of measures provides for strengthening the budget of this sector by 15 million euros, an effort that will be supplemented through private revenues and European Union funds, according to the Minister of the Presidency. However, all applications already submitted will be processed, provided they have been “properly directed” or have had “more than a year of Social Security reductions.” The repeal of Articles 88 and 89 of the Aliens Law, which allowed the legalization of foreign tourists in Portugal, will be followed by a “review of the common law in Parliament” in the coming months.
These announcements come days before millions of Europeans go to the polls to elect their representatives in the European Parliament, in elections that opinion polls show are expected to tilt European Union policy towards the right.
Spain
From our correspondent Ali Ait is talented
