The new proposal to amend the legal regime governing the entry, residence, exit, and expulsion of foreigners from the national territory follows the rejection of the first draft by the Constitutional Court (TC) and was presented today by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro.
In parliament, Vice-President António Rodrigues defended that the newly submitted text—which is expected to be debated next week in plenary—”accommodates all the Court’s observations,” particularly concerning family reunification and legal access, “without compromising the Government’s policy.”
When asked if there are assurances that this version will receive favorable votes from Chega—which approved the previous draft—António Rodrigues responded that the proposing parties, PSD/CDS-PP, have not “spoken with any party so far.”
The deputy insisted that “the principles and values remain exactly the same,” and PSD/CDS-PP only addressed the TC’s legal concerns.
“It would not make sense to engage in conversations with anyone regarding this issue. If there are criticisms, let them be raised for discussion at the specialty level; we are open to discussing them,” he said.
Similarly, CDS-PP deputy João Almeida does not anticipate difficulties in passing the draft, stating that while respecting the Constitutional Court’s position, they do not give up the essentials, “both concerning immigration regulation and specifically regarding the family reunification issue,” which continues not to be automatic.
“What we are doing is maintaining all the rigor that is essential in a migration policy,” he said.
