Full Breakdown
Portugal's Parliament Approves Amended Foreigners' Law with Far-Right Support
10/1/2025, 6:25:13 AM
Legislative Changes to Immigration Regulations
On September 30, 2025, Portugal's Parliament passed an amended Foreigners' Law, tightening immigration regulations following support from right and far-right parties, including the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal. This legislative action comes after the Constitutional Court rejected the original law in July, citing its excessive restrictions on family reunification for immigrants. The newly approved measures stipulate that family reunification can only occur after a minimum of two years of lawful residence in Portugal. Additionally, only highly skilled individuals will qualify for job search visas.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The amended law retains the two-year residency requirement for family reunification but introduces exceptions for spouses who cohabited with the applicant for at least one year prior to immigration. Furthermore, minors and incapacitated adults dependent on the immigrant are exempt from this waiting period. The law also mandates that immigrants must demonstrate suitable accommodation and sufficient means of subsistence to support their family without resorting to social benefits.
Political Dynamics and Support
The passage of the law was facilitated by a consensus among right-wing parties after three days of negotiations. Minister for the Presidency António Leitão Amaro acknowledged the constructive dialogue among the parties, despite their differences. Chega's leader, André Ventura, emphasized the necessity for immigrants to contribute to social security for five years before accessing benefits, a point that remains contentious but was not included in the law itself.
Criticism and Opposition
The left-wing parties, including the Socialist Party (PS), Livre, and Bloco de Esquerda, opposed the bill, arguing that it undermines the rights of immigrants and fails to address the need for a more humane immigration policy. José Luís Carneiro, the PS secretary-general, criticized the government for legislating based on perceptions rather than solid proposals that ensure integration and economic contribution from immigrants. He expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the economy, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign labor.
Official Statements and Responses
Cristina Rodrigues from Chega praised the government for tightening immigration rules and addressing abuses in social support. In contrast, Pedro Delgado Alves from the PS urged the government to avoid populist measures and seek constructive solutions. The head of state has indicated a likelihood of promulgating the new law, provided it aligns with constitutional provisions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the law has been approved, there are ongoing debates regarding its implications for family reunification and access to social benefits. Critics argue that the law may exacerbate the challenges faced by immigrants in Portugal, particularly those already navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the formal promulgation of the law by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has previously expressed reservations about the original legislation. The government is also expected to introduce a separate law addressing immigrants' access to social benefits, a topic that remains contentious among political factions.
