The current PSD/CDS government has implemented several reforms in migration policy, constraining the entry of immigrants by abolishing manifestations of interest—a legal tool that allowed foreigners with tourist visas to legalize their status within Portugal. Simultaneously, the administration has facilitated the entry of nationals from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and promised to strengthen consulates and introduce new measures for hiring in immigrants’ home countries, known as the “Green Corridor” for business associations.
The director of the Portuguese Catholic Work for Migrations, which brings together many associations in the sector, expressed regret over the political indecision and lack of adequate public services, leaving “the lives of many people waiting for solutions that do not exist.”
“What we are asking is to stop using migration for political gain,” stated Eugénia Quaresma, urging political leaders to “engage in dialogue,” rather than polarizing discourse for electoral returns.
“We cannot achieve national welfare without considering immigrants” and “promoting suitable policies,” she remarked, emphasizing that politicians should examine global situations and develop strategies for integration and welcoming.
“Our emigrants are being affected abroad by United States policies, and deportations are already happening,” thus “it is crucial to sit down and discuss the issue without instrumentalizing it,” she reminded.
Changes in migration policy were not accompanied by improvements in the public services that deal with immigrants, which “require much more investment” from the Portuguese state, she further commented.
“We must work to enhance the service quality starting from the immigrants’ country of origin, as consulates are expected to function properly and resources should be improved,” but for now, “it feels like time has stopped and people’s lives remain on hold,” she maintained.
According to her, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has been “more concerned with administrative regularization” rather than focusing on integration.
“Integration is part of AIMA’s name, yet we still face some communication challenges to refine the integration mechanisms,” acknowledged the Catholic leader.
Timóteo Macedo, leader of the country’s largest immigrant association—Solidariedade Imigrante—was highly critical of the government’s policy, labeling it “a social disaster.”
“Early elections are not desirable, but they are a reality, and we hope immigration will not be overlooked,” so that elected officials “respect immigrants’ work,” something that “has not been happening.”
As per the association leader, the abolition of manifestations of interest and the focus on employment-seeking visas, organized by businesses, are “wrong solutions” because they place immigrants in the hands of mafias and employers.
“Those visas are sold on the black market by mafias for more than ten thousand euros,” highlighted Timóteo Macedo, also criticizing the priority given to CPLP citizens.
“They are dividing immigrants into good and bad categories,” he accused, expressing concern that xenophobia is rising and hampering the integration of current residents.
An illustration of this issue is the stagnation of family reunification, “despite promises being made.”
Uniting more families would simplify immigrant integration into Portuguese society, yet “they have been promising family reunification for four months, and the inalienable right—to have our family with us—remains unfulfilled.”
Immigrants from Bangladesh are among the most affected by this deadlock, as their entry avenues into Portugal have been shut. One of their leaders, Rana Taslim Uddin, lamented the government’s majority’s “radicalism” in handling the process.
“The Bangladeshi community is concerned about migration policies, and AIMA is very slow to respond. We do not care if the government is right or left-wing; we want solutions,” Rana Uddin stated.
“There are immigrants who feel insecure in their relationship with the state” and desire “clearer and easier laws,” because “people work and want security,” he summarized.
