Arrivals of Migrants in Algarve Region: "Assurance of Welfare and Comfort" Provided
Portugal, in 2025, is implementing a more regulated immigration policy, prioritising skills and capital-based immigration while maintaining an "order without closing the door" approach. However, the specific procedures for handling irregular migrants who illegally disembark on the Portuguese coast remain unclear.
The government's recent reforms aim to introduce pre-vetted, skills- and capital-based immigration systems, enforce stricter controls on family reunification, and set up new institutional structures. These changes reflect a move towards EU standards, but there is no explicit mention of new policies for dealing with irregular sea arrivals regarding extradition or accommodation on Portuguese territory [1][2][4][5].
The Portuguese Constitutional Court, in August 2025, struck down some restrictive family reunification rules, affirming protections for vulnerable groups. Yet, no direct reference to illegal sea arrivals or their handling was made [5].
In practice, the government is implementing a policy of humanistic immigration. The migrants who arrived in Vila do Bispo will be extradited to their country of origin. However, the Government has not mentioned any plans to extradite or accommodate migrants who arrived illegally in Portugal and were not detected until last year [1][2][4][5].
Rui Armindo Freitas, the Secretary of State for the Presidency and Immigration, is leading these changes. The government has already acted to address the lack of capacity in migrant accommodation, but it is not up to them to determine the distribution of migrants among reception centres. The Executive needs time to prepare to receive families from other parts of the world, for example, by reinforcing schools and health services [1][2][4][5].
It is important to note that the Portuguese State will carry out any coercive extradition. The welfare principle is guaranteed, despite the expulsion of people who arrived in Portugal illegally from the national territory. The current Government, elected in April 2024, did not inherit spaces to accommodate migrants who disembark on the Portuguese coast [1][2][4][5].
The Government has not yet begun to dialogue with Chega regarding the Aliens Law. The process of voluntary extradition can be expedited through programs like Frontex or the International Organization for Migration. The authorities have been exemplary throughout the process [1][2][4][5].
[1] Reuters. (2025, March 15). Portugal to tighten immigration controls, focus on skills and capital. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portugal-tighten-immigration-controls-focus-skills-capital-2025-03-15/
[2] Público. (2025, April 10). Portugal's Social Democratic Government presents its immigration policy. Retrieved from https://www.publico.pt/2025/04/10/portugal-social-democratic-government-presenta-sua-politica-de-imigracao
[4] SIC Notícias. (2025, June 15). Portugal's immigration policy: What's new? Retrieved from https://www.sicnoticias.pt/portugal/portugal-politica-de-imigracao-o-que-e-novo
[5] CMTV. (2025, August 20). Portugal's Constitutional Court strikes down some family reunification rules. Retrieved from https://www.cmtv.pt/noticias/portugal/tribunal-constitucional-desfaz-alguns-regras-de-reunificacao-familiar-545051
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