
The government is currently scrutinizing a court decision regarding immigration laws, the minister confirmed in Olhão, emphasizing the need to strengthen immigration regulation. “We will respect and disagree with the court’s ruling and adjust the guidelines identified by the majority of judges as non-compliant with the Constitution, with a clear goal in mind,” he stated.
Leitão Amaro highlighted areas where neither the President of the Republic nor Constitutional Court judges saw issues, such as “CPLP [Community of Portuguese Language Countries] channels, job seeker visas, and a so-called transitional regime,” noting that “what was validated will be implemented.”
“Thus, we calmly assess the decision, understanding that the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which we respect, points to non-compliance in some areas, and we will amend these guidelines,” the minister assured.
The adjustments will be made respectfully, ensuring Portuguese citizens that “there will be more regulation of immigration across all channels, including family reunification,” he added.
The Presidency Minister clarified that changes will be made to the five articles declared unconstitutional, reiterating the government’s commitment to regulating immigration, “also in the family reunification channel.”
“European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights validate several norms we approved. It is necessary to find a solution complying with the Constitutional Court’s decision. We will do this calmly, with institutional tranquility but with firmness: Portuguese citizens can rely on this government to provide solutions,” he stated.
On the process and collaboration required for changes, Leitão Amaro mentioned, “The government and its supporting majority, including PSD and CDS and their parliamentary groups, will present solutions and then engage in dialogue.”
Since last year, all immigration regulation solutions have originated from the government. “We will, of course, later discuss these in Parliament with interested and willing parties,” he affirmed.
The minister noted that the time for parliamentary debate and individual party positions will come, highlighting that “several parties have already expressed their desire to contribute to solutions,” while also criticizing the legacy of the PS government and its current secretary-general, José Luís Carneiro, in terms of immigration.