Portugal’s new Foreigners Law approved in parliament despite pressure and criticism
Changes to Portugal’s Foreigners Law were approved today by MPs in Portugal’s parliament thanks to votes from the PSD, Chega and CDS parties.
However, the changes were hotly contested with criticisms all around and a lack of the mandatory studies requited which led to the IL (Liberal Initiative party) abstaining.
The Constitutional Affairs Committee approved the changes to the legal regime for foreigners’ entry, stay, exit, and removal from the national territory on the 11th, with votes against from the left, which claimed violations of the law due to the lack of mandatory legal and constitutional reports.
IL MP Rui Rocha called the ruling PSD party’s bulldozing through the changes for the vote at the 11th hour as “completely unacceptable”.
“It is an offensive legislation that included none of the legislative guarantees in the process” with a “lack of reports and consultation with immigrant associations and constitutional experts that had been asked for by the opposition parties”.
Portugal is tightening its citizenship and immigration laws, requiring longer residency periods, stricter language and cultural knowledge tests, and more stringent family reunification rules. These changes are intended to make it more difficult to obtain citizenship and permanent residency.
The main changes require most foreigners to reside in Portugal for 10 years to be eligible for citizenship. (increased from 5)
Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique) will have a reduced residency requirement of 7 years.
Stricter requirements will also be introduced regarding language proficiency and knowledge of Portuguese culture and civic knowledge.
And children born in Portugal to foreign parents will no longer automatically be granted Portuguese citizenship. One parent must have legally resided in Portugal for at least three years, and the parents must formally declare their wish for the child to acquire citizenship.
There are also tighter rules regarding family reunification, making it more challenging for family members to join those already residing in Portugal.
In addition there will also be stricter conditions applied to job-seeker visas, with a greater emphasis on qualifications and proof of employment prospects.
However, it’s not all bad. Visa procedures for citizens of CPLP countries will be simplified in some aspects (like exempting them from providing travel insurance or proof of means of subsistence).
And residence authorisation procedures for digital nomads and researchers will also be simplified.
Visas for those entering Portugal to seek work without a contract will now be limited to highly qualified individuals.
However, residence permits expiring by June 30, 2025, will be automatically renewed by Portugal’s immigration office AIMA, while those expiring after that date will be renewed by the AIMA Mission Structure.
