The new regime for the return of foreigners, approved on Thursday by the Council of Ministers, will undergo a public consultation phase for a month before being re-evaluated by the Executive and submitted to the Assembly of the Republic.
The accessed decree suggests the “duration of 60 days” for stay in Temporary Installation Centers (CIT) or Equivalent Spaces (EECIT) during expulsion procedures will now extend to 180 days, with the possibility of extending it by an additional 180 days, and another 180 for the execution of the return, aligning with European legal frameworks and Schengen evaluation recommendations.
This summer, a group of about 30 migrants, for instance, arrived illegally in Portuguese territory via the Algarve coast. After the two-month period for analysis and conclusion of return processes, they were released and subsequently traveled to Spain, allegedly.
The government also intends to eliminate the 20-day period set for Notification for Voluntary Abandonment (NAV) as it is deemed a redundant procedure incompatible with the immediate enforcement of coercive return obligations, as per the document.
The Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, emphasized on Thursday that the new regime will enable “balanced regulation,” ensuring moderation and respect for human rights while preserving defense rights, appeals, proportionality, legal assistance, and greater protection for the most vulnerable, such as minors.
Leitão Amaro further stated that the full protection of the non-refoulement principle is anticipated, ensuring individuals will not be returned to countries where they may face persecution.
The government member, under the leadership of Luís Montenegro, also mentioned that there would be no “preferred partners” for political dialogue regarding the return regime, asserting that the executive’s proposal is not for radicals, neither this nor that.
