Portugal's Immigration Law Overhaul: Chega and PSD to Negotiate Key Changes for Foreigners

Chega to Negotiate Foreigners' Law with PSD to Secure Approval for Amendments

The Chega party will proceed with negotiations with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) to ensure the passage of significant alterations to Portugal's Foreigners' Law, party leadership confirmed this Friday. The political maneuver aims to build a parliamentary majority to reform the legal framework that regulates the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from the country, a topic that has been central to the political agenda. The government, led by the PSD, has indicated its willingness to discuss changes to the current legislation, which has been criticized by various sectors for its perceived permissiveness and lack of alignment with the country's current economic and social needs.

According to a statement from Chega, the objective of the negotiations is to "establish a clear, coherent, and rigorous immigration policy" that serves Portugal's national interests. The party's parliamentary leader, Pedro Pinto, stated that the current law is "outdated and inadequate to face the challenges of the 21st century," arguing for a model that prioritizes controlled and selective immigration. The proposed amendments are expected to cover a wide range of issues, from the requirements for obtaining residence visas to the mechanisms for combating illegal immigration and the rules for family reunification. The government has not yet detailed its formal proposal, but sources from the executive branch have mentioned the need to attract qualified labor while ensuring the sustainable integration of immigrants.

The negotiations between the two parties are scheduled to begin next week, with the formation of a joint working group to analyze the technical and legal details of the proposed changes. Political analysts consulted by news agency Lusa suggest that the PSD will seek a compromise solution that incorporates some of Chega's demands without alienating its more moderate voter base or creating friction with European partners. "The government is in a delicate position," commented political scientist Marina Costa Lobo. "It needs to show firmness on the immigration issue to satisfy a portion of the electorate, but it cannot afford to adopt measures that could be perceived as radical or that harm the country's image abroad."

The business confederations have already reacted to the news with caution, calling for a balanced and well-considered debate. The president of the Portuguese Industrial Confederation (CIP), Armindo Monteiro, warned of the risk that excessively restrictive measures could exacerbate labor shortages in key sectors of the economy, such as construction, tourism, and technology. "Portugal needs immigrants to grow. What we need is a legal framework that facilitates the entry of those who come to work and contribute, while effectively preventing abuse and illegality," he stated. The hospitality association AHRESP echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the essential role of foreign workers in the tourism sector, particularly in regions like Lisbon and the Algarve.

Among the most sensitive points of the negotiation will be the potential revision of special residency regimes, such as those aimed at investors or highly qualified professionals. Although no specific changes to programs like the former Golden Visa have been officially announced, legal experts believe the topic will inevitably be on the table. An immigration law specialist from a Lisbon law firm noted, "Any in-depth review of the Foreigners' Law will have to address the various existing visa and residency models. The trend may be to move towards a system based more on merit and professional qualifications, in line with what other European countries are doing." The process is expected to extend over several months of intense parliamentary debate before any new law is finalized and brought to a vote.

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