Portugal’s government admitted on Wednesday it had limited access to residence permits for immigrants on work visas or those seeking work, and had set “quantitative targets” for accepting foreigners.
The goal is to “adopt the principle that ‘we are a country with open doors to immigration, but not wide open doors’, materialized in quantitative immigration goals, taking into account the security dimension, prioritizing in terms of qualifications and avoiding exploitation by illegal and criminal networks” can be read in the program of the XXIV Constitutional Government (PSD/CDS), published this Wednesday and presented to the Assembly of the Republic.
In the document, the government believes that “Portugal faces serious challenges regarding migration” with “ineffective legislation and a lack of coordination between the public, private and social sectors” contributing to the proliferation of “human trafficking networks capable of rarely committing atrocities.” seen”, with “complex social problems such as housing problems and the persistence of xenophobic phenomena.”
To resolve this situation, the executive proposes “a holistic and collaborative policy involving the state, the business sector and social institutions” that ensures “regulated immigration that is humane, dignified and constructive for the sustainable development of Portugal.”
In the field of migration, the government has set the goals of “a regulated immigration policy that guarantees respect and promotion of the fundamental rights of immigrants in Portugal,” “creating national talent and attracting skilled professional immigrants,” and “guaranteeing control of the Portuguese borders and the external border of the European Union.”
To do this, the executor allows for a change in “the regime so that the residence permit is issued on the basis of previously concluded employment contracts or through a visa to seek work.”
The current model allows people to be legalized without a visa upon presentation of an employment contract already concluded in Portugal or simply the promise of an employment contract.
The government also promises to “encourage and support immigrant associations as interlocutors with government organizations for the purpose of planning and evaluating social inclusion policies at both national, regional and local levels” and to “combat xenophobia and social exclusion.”
The Executive also commits to “establishing an attraction, admission and integration program, encouraging, whenever possible, regulated immigration of family members” and “attracting skilled immigration” to “respond to the demographic and labor needs of work in Portugal”, including measures to promote the teaching of Portuguese language and “immigrants’ knowledge of Portuguese culture.”
In the chapter on emigration, Luis Montenegro’s government is concerned about the departure of young people: “The most highly qualified generation in history, in which the country has invested many resources, is leaving the country due to a lack of opportunities.” .
In this sense, the executive is committed to pursuing a “policy to support the return of national citizens” with “tax incentives” and increased wages, since “it is difficult for a young person to return to the country if he finds a much lower salary and a very high tax burden.”
“This policy should be developed by the Migration Agency in conjunction with the management of other migration flows. The agency will have to adapt to ensure it has the necessary tools and skills to perform these functions of attracting and retaining national talent. “, can be read in the program, without specifying whether this paragraph applies to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, created in October 2023.
The Democratic Alliance (AD) government program was approved this Wednesday, ahead of two days of debate in parliament on Thursday and Friday.
Presidential Minister Antonio Leitan Amaro said the document is based on the AD’s electoral program, but includes more than 60 measures that coincide with those of other parties.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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