In June of this year, Portuguese authorities took a significant step by ending the legal pathway for migrants who arrived in the country through irregular means to obtain legal status. This marks a shift in the nation’s immigration policy, as Portugal had previously been regarded as one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for migrants.
For years, Portugal allowed individuals with valid visas to work anywhere in Europe to be regularized. In 2018, the former socialist government extended this policy further, enabling those who had entered the country without a visa to seek legal status. However, the current government has now put an end to this practice, tightening immigration rules.
Since 2007, Portugal had been known for its lenient and inclusive approach toward immigration, offering migrants various opportunities to regularize their status. This shift is a marked departure from its earlier stance, which welcomed migrants seeking new opportunities in Europe.
A report from the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) previously highlighted a surge in non-European immigrants, noting that the number of migrants from outside Europe had doubled in the last five years. Despite these changes in immigration policy, Portugal's evolving stance is seen as reflective of wider European discussions on migration control and integration.