Mobility for inhabitants of CPLP nations in Portugal does not exist, according to Timóteo Macedo of the Association for the Defense of Immigrants' Rights.
According to EU Helpers, Macedo lamented the current situation of the citizens of the CPLP countries, saying that although they are subject to relaxed regulations when applying for a visa, the document does not allow them to travel outside of Portugal. He called them prisoners in a "open-air environment."
Because CPLP visa holders are unable to travel like other Portuguese citizens within the Schengen region, there is no circulation. According to Macedo's statement, it resembles an outdoor prison.
CPLP citizens have been subject to a more streamlined procedure while applying for a visa to Portugal in accordance with new regulations that went into effect in October of last year. They are no longer need to present certain paperwork, like a roundtrip itinerary, legitimate proof of financial capability, and travel insurance.
They still encounter challenges, though, when attempting to visit other Schengen nations.
Due to the fact that it has grown to be extremely difficult for CPLP people to find an appointment in their home countries, Macedo asserted that the visa regulations' relaxation for CPLP citizens is insufficient, according to Diario de Noticias.
Additionally, he emphasized that once they reach Portugal, their dreams of traveling to other Schengen nations are dashed. At the same time, he stated that CPLP citizens "should not even need a visa."
"On the one hand, we have CPLP people who chose a visa and learn upon arrival in Portugal that they are unable to travel to another European countries. They feel misled and discriminated against in comparison to other Portuguese citizens. However, other people are still worse off and do not even qualify for the advantages of CPLP visas, Macedo continued.
Diario de Noticias further emphasized that all holders of visas granted to CPLP nationals are entitled to public health services, social security, and a taxpayer identification number. The visa also enables the automatic issuance of resident permits.
More than 113,000 immigrants who speak Portuguese have been given residence cards in Portugal since the website's inception, according to a previous EU Helpers article.
According to the EU Commission, the bulk of people who received the residency permit were from Brazil. The online platform is designed to make the process of obtaining residency in Portugal easier.