Portugal has experienced a significant reduction in the issuance of work visas since the introduction of its new Action Plan for Migration four months ago. Official data reveals a 24% decrease in the number of work visas granted to foreign workers during the months of June, July, and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Specifically, 1,266 work visas were issued during these months, down from 1,666 in the previous year.
Despite the recent drop, overall figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs show that the total number of work visas issued from January to August 2024 surpassed those issued during the same period last year. This indicates that, while there has been a short-term decline, long-term trends still point to an increase in foreign workers entering Portugal.
In a related development, authorities have also introduced stricter regulations for migrant workers arriving irregularly. Deputy Minister for Immigration, Rui Armindo Freitas, announced that individuals entering Portugal without proper documentation will no longer be permitted to remain in the country while applying for work permits. This policy shift aligns with broader European Union regulations governing immigration and border control.
Furthermore, a report from the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) highlighted a sharp rise in non-European immigration to Portugal over the past five years, nearly doubling the number of non-European migrants settling in the country. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of migration in Portugal, with the government balancing economic needs with tighter immigration controls.