Portugal will vote on packages that increase restrictions for immigrants and those seeking access to nationality.
Portugal has approved a set of legislative changes that overhaul key aspects of the country's immigration policy. Approved by Parliament, the new regulations await review by the President of the Republic and could directly impact the lives of thousands of foreigners residing in Portugal.
Measures to change the rules for applying for nationality have been given more time to be analyzed and have not yet been approved by Parliament.
Among the approved measures are:
- Loss of citizenship in case of conviction for a serious crime (applicable to naturalized citizens);
- Increase in the minimum period of legal residence:
- From 5 to 7 years for nationals of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries);
- From 5 to 10 years for other nationalities;
- Restriction on family reunification:
- Requirement of 2 years of legal residence prior to application;
- Only minors under 18 years of age may remain in the country while awaiting the process;
- Residence application only with prior visa:
- Entry as a tourist no longer allows subsequent regularization within the country;
- Work visas limited to highly qualified professionals (criteria still undefined);
- Creation of a specific police force:
- Unef (National Unit for Foreigners and Borders) will have inspection and deportation responsibilities;
- End of the Sephardic way is still under analysis.
The measures for immigrants were approved amid a stricter immigration policy, already expressed in recent actions such as sending expulsion notices to thousands of foreigners whose residency applications were denied.
The direct impact on immigrant communities has sparked diplomatic reactions. During an event in Lisbon, Brazilian authorities signaled that the country may adopt equivalent criteria for the entry of Portuguese citizens. Read the full article on here.
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