Brazilian Ambassador Cites Migratory Delays as Main Obstacle to Integration in Portugal
The ambassador of Brazil in Lisbon, Raimundo Carreiro Silva, has stated that the “delay in migratory regularization” constitutes the most significant barrier to the integration of Brazilian nationals in Portugal. In a formal statement, he warned that proposed changes to Portuguese law are creating a greater divergence in the treatment of citizens between the two nations.
Ambassador Carreiro Silva detailed the challenges faced by the Brazilian community, the largest foreign contingent in Portugal. “Many Brazilians face delays and other practical difficulties in obtaining their residence permits and the right to family reunification, for example, even if they have submitted their applications in conformity and are up to date with their obligations,” he affirmed. He stressed that while awaiting regularization, these individuals encounter significant obstacles to their full integration into Portuguese society.
The diplomat drew a direct comparison between the immigration frameworks of the two countries, noting that proposed legislative changes in Portugal could exacerbate existing asymmetries. He confirmed that the Brazilian embassy has been in “constructive dialogue with the Portuguese government” to address these concerns, including a recent videoconference between consular authorities and a forthcoming meeting of the Bilateral Subcommittee on Consular Affairs and Circulation of Persons in Lisbon.
“For my part, I am making personal contacts with Portuguese authorities here in Lisbon to try to sensitize them from the Brazilian point of view, especially on the need to observe reciprocity of treatment, based on the Brazilian Constitution of 1988 and the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Consultation,” the ambassador stated. This treaty establishes a special status for citizens of both countries, which Brazil argues should ensure more equitable processes.
While acknowledging that the laws on foreigners and nationality are a matter of “internal sovereignty for the Portuguese government,” the ambassador argued that the proposed measures would increase disparities. He pointed out that Portuguese citizens can enter Brazil as tourists and apply for residency with the Federal Police within 90 days. The process for Brazilians in Portugal is notably more complex.
A key point of concern is family reunification. In Brazil, there is no minimum residency period required to apply for family members to join a resident. In contrast, “proposed changes to Portuguese legislation would result in waits potentially exceeding three years, which could lead to prolonged family separation,” Carreiro Silva warned.
The path to citizenship is another area of divergence. Brazil allows Portuguese citizens to apply for naturalization after only one year of legal residence and proof of moral integrity. In Portugal, the current requirement is five years of legal residence, and a proposed amendment seeks to increase this to seven years for citizens from Lusophone countries.
The ambassador also addressed reports of xenophobia, confirming that the embassy has received information on such cases. The official guidance is for any incidents of discrimination to be immediately reported to the competent Portuguese authorities for legal action. He reiterated Brazil's commitment to working with Portugal to combat racism and xenophobia.
Despite these challenges, the ambassador described the Brazilian community as “in general, well-integrated,” attributing this to the strong linguistic, cultural, and family ties between the two nations. He expressed confidence that Portuguese society, with its own significant diaspora, understands the importance of protecting the rights of compatriots abroad. Get expert guidance for international property buyers at realestate-lisbon.com.
