Portugal's Parliament approved changes to the Foreigners' Law on Tuesday (30). The changes limit immigrants' access to visas and residence permits. Brazilians, the largest foreign community in the country, are among those most affected.
The new version of the law has been adjusted after partial veto by the Constitutional CourtThe Court ruled unconstitutional provisions that could separate couples with irregular immigration status. The approved reform maintains restrictive measures and was voted against by the opposition.
The changes include restricting work visas to highly skilled immigrants, ending the ability to apply for residency after entering as a tourist, and requiring at least two years of legal residency to apply for family reunification.
Stricter rules for Brazilians
Among the main points that affect Brazilians are:
- Entry as a tourist and application for residency: immigrants will no longer be able to enter as tourists and then apply for residence permits.
- Job search visa: only highly qualified professionals will be allowed, according to government criteria.
- Family reunification: Only permitted to legal residents for more than two years. Family members must request authorization in the country of origin.
Another controversial measure was the creation of a new police force dedicated to combating illegal immigration and carrying out deportations. The proposal to restrict access to Portuguese nationality was postponed.
Fast processing and protests
The law was approved just 16 business days after its introduction, with votes from the right-wing coalition and Chega. The accelerated processing drew criticism from the opposition and civil society groups.
During the vote, dozens of immigrants protested in front of Parliament, dressed in black, in a silent demonstration. Socialist congressman Pedro Delgado Alves criticized the government for giving in to pressure from the far right.
"This law regulates immigration, limiting CPLP flows, visas for job seekers and family reunification," the government said in an official statement.
The new legislation also affects citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), such as Brazil, Angola and Mozambique.
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