Applications for Portuguese citizenship through the Sephardic route increase by almost 400% in Brazil
The end of the granting of Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews is part of the package of changes to the Nationality Law presented by the Portuguese government and has led to a significant increase in applications in Brazil, with a strong concentration in São Paulo.
The package was vetoed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after a negative ruling from the Constitutional Court, but it is expected to return to parliament's agenda in October. Read the full article. on here.
Survey shows jump in numbers
Consulting data Martins Castro, sent to the Portugal Giro column (O Globo), reveal that requests have grown 398.5% in Brazil. The trend follows the international pattern observed in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Israel and the United States, where the increase was 365%.
Regional distribution in Brazil
- São Paulo: 27,0%
- Rio de Janeiro: 9,7%
- Minas Gerais: 9,2%
- Ceara: 6,0%
Explanation of the movement
Second Renato Martins, director of Martins Castro, the surge in applications is linked to the imminent closure of the Sephardic route to Portuguese citizenship.
The anti-immigration package proposes to end this right, currently guaranteed to Sephardic Jews who prove effective and lasting connections with Portugal, descendants of those expelled from the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisition.
The changes for immigrants have already been approved by parliament and are only awaiting presidential approval, while the end of the Sephardic pathway could be voted on as early as October. To avoid losing access to this right, it is essential to act now and begin the Portuguese citizenship process without delay.
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