Brazilian Immigrants Face Dramatic Increase in Entry Denials to Portugal: A Closer Look

Brazilian Immigrants Encounter Record Entry Denials

Recent reports highlight a staggering increase of over 700% in the number of Brazilian nationals denied entry to Portugal. According to the Brazilian newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo, the number of Brazilians barred from entering has surged from 179 in 2023 to 1,470 in 2024.

Government's New Policy on Immigration

The Portuguese government's announcement about the Agency for Migration and Asylum (AIMA) notifying 4,574 foreign citizens to voluntarily leave the country within 20 days has drawn significant attention. While it remains unclear how many of those affected are Brazilian, they represent the largest nationality facing entry refusals in Portugal.

Changes in Immigration Procedures

Portugal was previously known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, allowing tourists to enter and later apply for residency through a legal mechanism known as “manifestation of interest.” However, in response to a warning from the European Union, which urged that all immigrants should apply for visas in their home countries, Portugal introduced the Action Plan for Migrations last June, effectively abolishing the manifestation of interest.

Despite these changes, Brazilians continue to benefit from the ability to enter Portugal without a visa as tourists, but airport interviews have become significantly more stringent.

Upcoming Notifications from AIMA

Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, confirmed that AIMA will begin notifying 4,574 foreign citizens this coming week. This notification marks the first group from a total of 18,000 immigration refusals reported by the government.

This shift in immigration policy indicates a tightening of procedures, reflecting broader changes in Portugal's approach to foreign nationals amidst ongoing discussions about immigration laws and integration.