on May 6, 2025

Portuguese government begins notifying illegal immigrants for voluntary departure

on May 6, 2025

Governo de Portugal começa a notificar imigrantes ilegais para saída voluntária

The Portuguese Government, through the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), announced that it will begin notifying 4,574 illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily within a period of 20 days.

This measure is one of the actions adopted by the Government to respond to the increase in irregular immigration, a topic that has generated intense debates in the country.

Criticism of immigration policy

Luís Montenegro, leader of the PSD, criticized the socialist government’s immigration policy, calling it a “big blackout” and arguing that those who do not comply with the rules should be forced to return to their countries of origin. For Montenegro, it is essential that immigration is regulated effectively, and that non-compliance with the rules has consequences.

He also accused Chega of being inconsistent in its proposals on immigration, pointing out that, in several votes, the party did not support the PSD's migration control policies.

President of the Republic defends the importance of immigrants

On the other hand, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, recalled the essential role of immigrants in the Portuguese economy, especially in the construction, agriculture and tourism sectors. According to the president, immigration is crucial for the functioning of several sectors and cannot be seen as a problem to be eradicated. He also warned against generalizations, recalling that immigration represents around 1.5 to 1.6 million people in the country and that its contribution is vital for the growth and economic stability of Portugal.

The debate on immigration remains open, with society divided on how to balance the need for border control while ensuring the necessary support for the country's economic and social development. Read the full article on here.

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