The Portuguese Government formalized this Monday (30) the submission to Parliament of the draft law that integrates the called "return package"The text maintains the rule that facilitates the deportation of immigrants with minor children on Portuguese soil.
The new wording amends Article 135 of the immigration law. According to the proposal, the deportation limit will only apply if the child has a legal residence permit and if the immigrant resides in the country. for at least five years.
Under current legislation, the presence of minor children in Portugal acts as a barrier to the deportation of their parents. Prior residency was not a mandatory requirement to guarantee this family and child protection.
Experts and advisors from the National Council for Migration and Asylum expressed concern about the change during the public consultation. The Government, however, chose to disregard the suggestions for alteration and maintained the restrictive text.
The proposal now It will now go to the Assembly of the Republic for debate.The final text reinforces that protection against expulsion requires parents to effectively assume parental responsibilities, support, and education of resident minors.
The measure is seen by human rights experts as a setback in the protection of vulnerable children. The government has not altered the controversial points previously presented to the Council of Ministers.
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