In a significant move to regulate immigration, Portugal's government is set to introduce stricter rules that will require most foreigners seeking to enter and reside in the country to obtain a work visa. This marks a departure from the previous practice, where foreign citizens could enter Portugal on a tourist visa and later apply for a residence permit if they found employment.
Announced by Presidency Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro following a cabinet meeting, the new requirements aim to bring clarity and supervision to the immigration process. Emphasizing the need for regulated immigration, Leitao Amaro highlighted that rules without proper oversight can lead to uncertainty and indignity for immigrants already living in challenging circumstances.
The decision comes as the number of foreign residents in Portugal has surged by 33% to a record one million people in 2023, making up approximately 10% of the country's population. To manage this influx, the center-right minority government is also planning to ramp up border controls, establish a dedicated task force to tackle a backlog of over 400,000 visa applications, and invest in facilities to support migrants facing difficult living conditions.
By implementing these measures, Portugal seeks to streamline its immigration processes, ensure transparency, and address the immediate needs of migrants in the country. This move underscores the government's commitment to managing immigration effectively and responsibly in the face of growing numbers of foreign residents.