The parties Chega and PSD have decided to form a joint group, with representatives from each party, to finalize the regulatory framework for a new Foreigners Law within the next three days, aiming for approval by the following Tuesday, as announced by Chega, led by André Ventura.
In a statement, Chega noted “the government’s return to the negotiation table” and pledged to make every effort to reach a consensus that protects Portuguese borders and controls unchecked immigration.
On Thursday, Chega’s president warned the government that the party would not accept the new version of the law governing the entry of foreigners into Portugal, indicating plans to propose amendments to restrict family reunification.
Speaking to journalists in parliament, André Ventura opposed the new draft law on the entry of foreigners presented by the government on Wednesday, without specifying how the party would vote.
Ventura criticized the government for not maintaining its stance on issues like family reunification, border defense, or the deportation of immigrants, and said he would propose amendments to “restrict family reunification” as he believes the country “cannot continue to accept people indiscriminately.” He also called for strengthening resources for the new Foreigners and Borders Unit (UNEF).
Ventura reiterated his criticism of the government for not consulting Chega in drafting the new version of the foreigners’ law, describing the government’s approach as “arrogant.”
“If there is a law brokered between two parties that reaches the President of the Republic and is vetoed, it is normal for there to be a new collaboration between the parties for a revised version. If one party thinks it can impose the law alone, then Chega could have also independently presented a bill on foreigners and did not,” he criticized.
On Wednesday, the Socialist parliamentary leader expressed regret that the PS was not consulted and was excluded by the government from the debate on the new version of the foreigners’ law, stating that the country would “benefit from a more in-depth discussion.”
The weekly Expresso reported that the PS might enable the passage of the bill.
The Assembly of the Republic will review the new proposals to amend the foreigners’ law in a general, specialized, and final global vote next Tuesday after the bill was previously rejected by the Constitutional Court.
The new amendment proposal to the foreigners’ law, announced on Wednesday by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, includes changes to align it with the Constitution of the Republic, maintaining a two-year valid residence period for applying for family reunification, but allowing several exceptions, including for spouses.
On August 8, the Constitutional Court declared five provisions of the parliamentary decree aimed at amending the so-called Foreigners Law unconstitutional. Most objections concerned family reunification, including the establishment of “a blind two-year term” for applications.
This decree was approved on July 16 in the Assembly of the Republic with supporting votes from PSD, Chega, and CDS-PP, abstention from IL, and opposition from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, PAN, and JPP.
