Portugal Plans to Restrict Work Visas to Highly Skilled Migrants
Portugal Proposes New Visa Restrictions Aimed at Highly Qualified Migrants
The Portuguese government is planning significant changes to its immigration policy, proposing to limit the issuance of work-seeking visas exclusively to highly qualified foreign professionals. According to Público, the aim is to create mechanisms that prioritize the attraction and retention of skilled talent that contributes meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
“It is necessary to adopt mechanisms and procedures that promote and privilege the attraction and retention of highly qualified talent from abroad, including Portuguese emigrants and people of Portuguese descent,” states the government’s official programme.
Shifting Focus Amid Rising Immigration Figures
Portugal has long been a popular destination for international job seekers—particularly citizens of Brazil. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of foreign residents in the country surged from 421,000 to over 1.6 million.
While the government acknowledges the positive impact of migrant workers, it emphasized that a more balanced and strategic approach is now necessary. The proposal to limit job-seeking visas is part of a broader reform package. However, it remains to be seen whether this plan will be approved and what its long-term impact on the labor market and economy will be.
Stricter Language Requirements for Residency Renewals
In addition to work visa reforms, Portugal is also considering tougher language rules for residency permit renewals. Migrants may soon be required to demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency as a condition for extending certain residence permits.
The move aims to prevent the formation of socially isolated communities and reinforce integration based on shared constitutional values.
“The goal is to ensure that everyone respects constitutional values and avoids the creation of communities that are closed off to integration,” the proposal notes.
Proposed Measures Include Swift Deportation Mechanisms
The government’s programme also outlines the development of a more efficient legal framework for the removal of individuals residing illegally in the country. This includes faster administrative processes and improved tracking systems.
“It is unacceptable for Portugal to return to a state of uncontrolled immigration, where the State does not know who is in the country, where they are, what their criminal background is, and what they are doing,” the government declared.
Brazilian Nationals Likely to Be Most Affected
Given the high number of Brazilian citizens residing in Portugal, many of these proposed changes—particularly those concerning work visas and residence renewals—are expected to disproportionately affect this group.
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