This afternoon, a petition had already gathered 7,843 signatures. The signatories are calling for the creation of a transitional regime to temporarily maintain the five-year duration for the naturalization of foreigners legally residing in Portugal, should there be a change to the Nationality Law.
The signatories request that in the event of law amendments that lengthen the legal residency period necessary for naturalization, a transitional regime is established to ensure the application of the previous five-year term to foreign citizens who, at the time of these amendments coming into effect, reside legally in the country.
“It seems to us that it would be possible to implement the necessary reforms in the country effectively by applying the new rules only to future residents while simultaneously maintaining the legal security and legitimate expectations of the immigrants residing in the country who already adhere in good faith to the established rules by the State and build their lives in Portugal based on the existing legislation,” the petition states.
The signatories further note that foreigners, upon coming to Portugal, planned their lives, careers, and the future of their families based on the five-year naturalization period, arguing that new restrictions should not worsen the conditions for those who have already started the integration process under the previous law. They emphasize that if the goal of the initiative is to limit future immigration, “applying the new rules to already resident foreigners does not serve that purpose.”
“For thousands of families – some coming from authoritarian or conflict-affected countries – obtaining Portuguese nationality is not merely a formality but a fundamental life goal that ensures security, dignity, and a future for their children,” the document continues.
Minister Leitão Amaro announced a legislative proposal for the creation of a foreign and border unit in the Public Security Police, aimed at re-establishing the country’s “border police.” Further details from the briefing following the Council of Ministers meeting are available.
On Monday, the Government approved during the Council of Ministers meeting the extension of the nationality attribution periods to seven years of legal residence for Lusophone citizens, and 10 years for those from other countries.
In the Council of Ministers briefing, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated that a proposal would be presented to amend the nationality law, emphasizing the need for an “effective connection and belonging to the national community”.
