Mariana Leitão stated, “We, in general terms, are aligned with the proposals presented. It is obvious that there are some details we will have the opportunity to delve into in a specialized discussion; however, the truth is this: in an exceptional situation, exceptional measures are also imposed,” she told journalists at the Assembly of the Republic.
Leitão argued that a “very complicated situation” has arisen due to the mechanism of demonstrating interest, the dissolution of the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), and the “inability to respond” of the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA).
“These are all situations for which the PS is responsible, with evident support from other left-leaning parties,” she accused.
The leader of IL’s parliamentary group emphasized that, in the face of the country’s need for regulated immigration and the guarantee of “defense and dignity” for individuals, the party agrees with the Government’s proposals, set to be debated this Friday in the Assembly of the Republic.
On Friday, the Assembly will debate and vote on the Government’s proposed legislation concerning changes to the nationality law, the legal regime of entry, stay, departure, and removal of foreigners from national territory, and the bill to establish the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders within the Public Security Police; a proposal rejected in the previous legislature.
During the first full meeting of the Council of Ministers of the XXV Government, and the second session under Luís Montenegro, the executive approved a proposal to amend the nationality law, extending the residency period required for citizenship from five to seven or ten years, depending on whether the individuals are from Portuguese-speaking countries or not.
The Government also foresees the possibility of revoking nationality for those naturalized for less than ten years who are sentenced to a prison term of five years or more for serious crimes. Regarding the attribution of original nationality to descendants of foreign residents in Portugal, the requirement will be legal residency for three years.
