Summary:
New decree published to facilitate residency for CPLP citizens in Portugal.
Brazilians and Timorese can now enter as tourists and apply for residency if they find jobs or wish to study.
Residency cards will now be issued for two years and recognized across the EU.
Implementation faces challenges despite the publication of the decree.
New Entry/Exit System (SES) introduced to enhance immigration control.
New Immigration Decree Published
On February 13th, a new decree was published in the Diário da República that amends the Law of Foreigners (23/2007) in Portugal. This decree, signed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, brings significant benefits for Brazilians and citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The changes in legislation will take effect on February 14th.
Key Changes
With the new rules, Brazilians and Timorese can enter Portugal as tourists and apply for residency if they secure employment or choose to study. However, citizens from other CPLP countries will still require visas to enter Portugal before applying for residency.
New Residency Cards
Another important change involves residency titles, which were previously issued on A4 paper. Now, over 150,000 individuals will receive new residency cards valid for two years and accepted throughout the European Union. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and recognition within the EU. The Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) is currently training staff to facilitate this transition.
Implementation Challenges
Despite the decree's publication, the implementation faces challenges. Experts are urging more prompt application of the new residency request mechanism. The AIMA has a website ready for these requests, but there is no set date for its launch. Concerns remain regarding the timeline for exchanging residency cards, causing anxiety among immigrants.
Immigration Control Measures
The decree also introduces new immigration control measures, including the Entry/Exit System (SES), which will track the movements of citizens from third countries. This system aims to enhance border security and manage immigrant presence in Portugal, aligning with the EU Regulation 2017/2226 for Schengen area controls.
While CPLP citizens will benefit from easier residency processes in Portugal, the decree emphasizes the need for cooperation between Portuguese authorities and immigrants for a smoother integration process.
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