Portugal is set to introduce a new law aimed at accelerating the deportation of migrants residing in the country illegally. The draft legislation was approved by the Council of Ministers this Thursday, 19th March, following a period of public consultation. Describing the move as “long overdue”, Minister António Leitão Amaro made the announcement at a press conference.
Among the proposed measures is the abolition of the 20-day “voluntary departure notification” period, during which individuals are currently allowed to leave the country of their own accord. The reforms would also limit the scope for judicial appeals. In addition, the maximum detention period is set to increase dramatically to 360 days, up from the current 60, while asylum applications would no longer be permitted to delay deportation.
The legislation also prompts a review of the criteria that can prevent deportation. Under the previous framework, even parents of minor children could face removal. In this revised version, however, António Leitão Amaro declined to confirm whether this provision has been altered, stating that clarification would be provided at a later stage.
As for legal appeals, the proposal removes the provision that automatically suspends deportation proceedings when an appeal is lodged, except in cases involving international protection. The stated aim is “to reduce the delaying impact of judicial mechanisms”.
The period of re-entry bans will also be extended to five years. At the same time, the government says it will prioritise voluntary returns, working in partnership with organisations such as Frontex and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The minister described the bill as the “final major legislative piece” in reshaping Portugal’s migration policy. It follows two earlier flagship reforms, on immigration and nationality, parts of which were struck down by the Constitutional Court.
The next step will be to submit the proposal to Parliament. In previous votes on migration reforms, the government secured approval with the backing of the Chega party.
Asked about prospects for this latest measure, the minister said he “will rely on Parliament” for its passage, while noting that “there has been a tendency among some parties on the left to stand apart from changes to migration policy.”
Source: DN
