Portugal’s Parliament approved on Wednesday (16) a strict anti-immigration package proposed by the center-right Democratic Alliance government, with support from the far-right Chega party. The measure has a direct impact on the Brazilian community, the largest among immigrants in the European country.
The new rules represent a shift in Portuguese migration policy and call into question commitments made by the government itself, including agreements with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), of which Brazil is a part. The package now goes for analysis and possible sanction by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has 20 days to decide. He can also refer the text to the Constitutional Court.
What changes in the immigration law – The four main changes to the Foreigners Law deeply affect Brazilians who already live in Portugal or plan to move:
• End of expression of interest: it will no longer be possible for tourists — even from the CPLP — to apply for residence while already on Portuguese soil, a common practice that was previously allowed;
• More restricted family reunification: it will only be allowed for those who can prove they lived with their spouse or partner in the country of origin and who have at least two years of residence authorization;
• Job search visa: it will be granted only for six months and exclusively to professionals that the government considers qualified;
• New police force for foreigners: the creation of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders within the Public Security Police (PSP) was approved, expanding the power to approach immigrants.
The most drastic measure is precisely the elimination of the possibility for Brazilians who entered as tourists to later apply for residence through ‘expression of interest.’ This was the most used route by the Brazilian community, and there was a promise that it would be replaced by a special CPLP channel, which was never implemented.
Ignored agreements and broken promises – Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has no executive powers, had assured Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) that Brazilians would be spared from the changes, based precisely on the promise of the CPLP channel. Breaking this commitment has also sparked reactions in Brazil. The Justice Minister, Ricardo Lewandowski, stated that ‘Brazil will reciprocate.’
The Brazilian community — which represents the largest immigrant workforce and the biggest foreign contributor in Portugal — already faces difficulties in bringing family members to the country. The new two-year residency requirement, combined with the chronic delays in processing by the Agency for Immigration and Mobility (AIMA), may force families to live apart indefinitely.
Qualified workforce ignored – Another point of criticism is the limitation of the job search visa to ‘qualified professionals.’ In addition to being subjective, the measure contradicts the reality of labor shortages in various sectors of the Portuguese economy. Brazilians have historically been the group that most requests and obtains this type of visa. With the change, thousands planning to migrate legally will be barred.
Advancement of Chega’s agenda – Approved with the support of the far-right Chega party, the changes highlight the Portuguese government’s shift toward a harder anti-immigration agenda. Among Chega’s proposals adopted is the requirement for proof of prior union in the country of origin for couples in family reunification processes.
In September, after the parliamentary recess, Parliament will also vote on a new package amending the Nationality Law, which could make it even harder for Brazilians to access Portuguese citizenship.
Source: www.brasil247.com