Two years on from the start of its implementation, the Migration Action Plan has been 75% completed, said the Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro at the Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees Commission in Parliament, taking positive stock of a "structural and profound reform”. 

Half a million cards

"It was necessary for the State to work again, he said, adding that since the start of the immigration policy reform, half a million residence cards have been issued, stressing that papers are the first step for integration: “when we grant papers, we grant dignity”. 

In this new stage, the challenge is to "take care of integration for those who arrive" in a context of “political despair” that, in some European countries”, led to “extreme measures” of closing the gates. “I believe we showed that moderation is possible and it is happening in Portugal with results”, the Minister stated at the hearing on 27 May. 

Regulated immigration 

More and more companies have taken on the protocol for regulated work migration, which allows expediting the work permits for immigrants in their country of origin by using the Portuguese diplomatic network; there has been a rise from 20% to 30% of requests per month and a total of almost six thousand visas granted, Leitão Amaro announced.  

The Minister recalled that "the country’s gates were ajar and there was no immigration control", yet it was necessary to not “shut the gates”, rather seek “orderly and regular” entry flows. 

In total, until yesterday, 8,435 visa requests have been filed under this protocol and 5,883 visas granted in 40 consulates, of which around 3,000 are for jobs in sectors such as agriculture and 1,179 in construction, which are in great need of manpower.

The Minister thanked all those who, with their work, contributed to the success of the Plan’s execution, as well as Parliament for supporting migration policy, claiming that “all the efforts to change policies are made by many and with this Parliament too”.