The Portuguese caretaker government has stated its intention to expel foreigners who are living in the country illegally. According to a statement from government officials, the number of foreigners expected to be expelled is about 18,000, most of them foreigners who have broken immigration laws by remaining in the country without legal documentation and authorization from the state.
The government, through its Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, said the government will issue a “leave-Portugal” notification to the 18,000 people who fell short of the country’s immigration laws, especially as stated by the new policy. Leitão Amaro further stated the government’s urgency in carrying out the policy.
He stated that the policy will begin with a notification to the first 4,500 persons as early as next week. They are expected to be asked to leave the country voluntarily and within 20 days, as announced by the government.
Portugal is facing a political change since Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the snap ballot, and the Social Democratic Party stood down following the passing of a vote of no-confidence on its leadership.
The rise of the far-right Chega Party—with its firm immigration stance—to national reckoning speaks to the recent political changes in the country. Portugal will be going to the polls as early as May 18 in what is its third election in three years. The election is expected to chart a new path for the country’s daunting political instability and give clarity to its unanswered political questions.
