Despite the overwhelming support from Brazilian voters in Portugal, the ultra-right party Chega, led by André Ventura, has launched a series of attacks against legislation benefiting citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Ventura, whose party secured 60 seats in the Assembly of the Republic, vows to overturn laws allowing Brazilians and other CPLP nationals to enter Portugal on tourist or student visas and subsequently apply for residency.
"We must prevent individuals from exploiting tourist or student visas to secure legal residency indefinitely. This is a loophole we're determined to close," Ventura stated, highlighting the potential impact on a population of 300 million, with Brazil being the largest CPLP country. Currently, an estimated 1 million Brazilians reside in Portugal, including dual citizens.
Ventura's announcement aligns with the Portuguese government's recent measures to tighten immigration policies, including extending the residency requirement for citizenship from five to seven years for CPLP citizens and to ten years for other foreigners. The government also proposed revoking a December law that allowed Brazilians and Timorese to enter Portugal visa-free and apply for residency, a move seen as endorsing Chega's anti-immigration stance.
Elizabeth Accioly, a professor at the European University, urges the Brazilian government to monitor these restrictions closely, advocating for reciprocal measures to protect Brazilian interests in Portugal.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!