Government strengthens plan against illegal immigration

In terms of immigration regulation, the Government has set three major priorities: restricting entries, reviewing nationality law and speeding up the return of illegal immigrants. At the top of the list, it has stated that it will create the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) within the Public Security Police.

Furthermore, it undertakes to “review, regulate and adjust the opening of entry channels (already provided for in the law) for CPLP citizens and family reunification, taking into account the country’s finite capacity for integration and the response of public services”.

At the same time, it wants to “restrict visas for seeking work to highly qualified candidates” and “consider introducing criteria for progress in the Portuguese language when renewing certain types of residence permits”.

Regarding the criteria for granting nationality, the Government wants to review the nationality law, “extending the minimum period of residence and effective presence in national territory, eliminating the possibility of illegal stay being considered for the purposes of counting this period, and ensuring that those who acquire Portuguese nationality have an undeniable relationship and successful integration in the country”.

The Executive led by Luís Montenegro also plans to “create a new, fast and effective regime for the return and removal of foreigners in an illegal situation, namely in terms of simplifying procedures, decision deadlines and opportunities for appeal, as well as creating a mechanism to encourage voluntary return”.