Portugal has recently adjusted its immigration policy, discontinuing the practice that allowed migrant workers who entered the country illegally to apply for work permits while staying in Portugal. Deputy Minister Rui Armindo Freitas, responsible for immigration, stated that this move aims to align with European regulations. This decision has been interpreted by NGO representatives as a response to right-wing populist pressures, reflecting the previously unorganized state of Portugal's immigration approach.
Freitas highlighted the closure of a loophole that permitted the entry of illegal migrant workers before obtaining the necessary documentation. This was due to a "backlog of around 400,000 legalization applications" at the immigration agency AIMA. The government plans to organize the processing of these applications, some pending for two years, by June of the next year.
Under the new regulation, migrants desiring to work in Portugal must secure their residence permits through a Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad, prior to their arrival. This requirement has caused concern among farm workers and harvesting helpers from countries like Nepal or Bangladesh, who now must apply for visas at the Portuguese embassy in New Delhi, India. Luis Mira, secretary-general of the Portuguese Farmers' Association, criticized this requirement as impractical, emphasizing the agricultural sector's urgent need for workers.
Portugal's reliance on migrant labor, particularly from Asian countries in agriculture and Brazilians in the hospitality sector, underscores the economic importance of these workers. The far-right Chega party's growth, advocating for immigration quotas and a referendum on immigration, has intensified the debate on illegal immigration. Freitas counters this by promoting clearer rules for labor immigration to ensure the rights and security of migrants, aiming to prevent exploitation and human trafficking.
However, NGOs warn that the new regulations might increase the number of undocumented migrants, as many continue to enter Portugal illegally, driven by the demand for labor in the country's growing economy.
Source: DW