Portugal intends to deport approximately 18,000 non-citizens before the upcoming national election.
Portugal's Caretaker Government Deports 18,000 Unauthorized Immigrants
Listen up, pals! Portugal's center-right government is cranking up the heat on foreigners residing in the country without legal authorization. In a bid to spice things up during Portugal's election season, they plan to kick around 18,000 of these folks to the curb. Yep, you heard that right!
Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro dropped the news on the weekend, stating that authorities will issue close to 18,000 notifications to those living without documents, urging them to hit the road. Commencing next week, a group of approximately 4,500 undocumented immigrants will receive a friendly little 20-day window to pack their bags and scram before facing more forceful removal.
Portugal's electorate will cast their ballots on May 18, following Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's early call for a vote in March. His conservative Social Democratic Party-led government lost confidence in the Parliament and had to step down, submitting to the rising tide of populism sweeping Europe.
The far-right Chega party surged into third place during last year's election, adding a touch of spice to the political gumbo. As the election date draws near, the caretaker government is keen to flex its muscles and walk the talk.
With Portugal being caught up in the maelstrom of instability, some advocacy groups, like Solidariedade Imigrante, are encouraging undocumented immigrants to stand their ground and resist the removals. Legal and humanitarian challenges lurk in the wings, and it's important to keep them at bay. So, keep your eyes on this one, folks! It ain't over until the fat lady sings.
[1] "Portugal to Expel 18,000 Foreigners Living Without Authorization" - Reuters, April 2025[2] "Caretaker Government of Portugal to Introduce Tough Immigration Measures" - BBC News, April 2025[3] "Undocumented Migrants in Portugal Urged to Resist Deportation Orders" - Al Jazeera, April 2025[4] "Portugal's Caretaker Government Cracks Down on Unauthorized Foreigners" - The Guardian, April 2025
- The tightening immigration policies of Portugal's caretaker government, including the potential deportation of approximately 18,000 unauthorized immigrants, has stirred up discussions in the realm of policy-and-legislation and general news.
- A wave of populism, exemplified by the surge of the far-right Chega party, has contributed to Portugal's political climate, influencing the policies announced by the caretaker government on unauthorized immigration.
- Solidariedade Imigrante, an advocacy group, is calling on undocumented immigrants to resist the proposed deportation orders, raising concerns about the humanitarian aspects of the government's approach to unauthorized foreigners residing in Portugal.
- With elections approaching on May 18, the caretaker government, under pressure from populist sentiments in the country, aims to implement tough immigration measures and maintain a strong stance on the issue as part of their political strategy.
