Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Portugal revises its visa policy: all foreign workers must now secure a work visa before arrival, amid a record increase in migrants. In a significant pivot from its current immigration policies, the Portuguese government has announced plans to overhaul its visa system, mandating work visas for most foreigners who wish to live and work within the nation. This marks a departure from the existing policy, where foreign nationals could convert their tourist visas into residence permits upon securing employment in Portugal.
The catalyst for this shift stems from a sharp increase in the number of foreign residents, which surged by 33% in 2023, reaching a record high of one million individuals—approximately 10% of Portugal’s total population. This demographic swell has prompted the government to reconsider its immigration framework to ensure more regulated and manageable entry processes. Under the new strategy, individuals aiming to work in Portugal must secure a work visa from a Portuguese consulate before setting foot in the country.
This requirement aims to streamline the entry of foreign workers and align their skills with the nation’s economic needs. Moreover, the center-right minority government is set to bolster border controls and establish a specialized task force dedicated to addressing the backlog of over 400,000 pending visa applications. Additionally, investments are planned for centers designed to meet the urgent needs of migrants who find.