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The Portuguese government announced that it will begin issuing departure notifications to thousands of immigrants who are residing in the country without legal status. In a statement to the press on beginning of May, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro confirmed that the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) will notify 18,000 individuals to voluntarily leave Portuguese territory, with the first wave of 4,574 notifications scheduled for release this month.
“These 4,574 individuals are part of a total of 18,000 cases that have already been officially denied residence,” said Leitão Amaro. “In the coming weeks, these notifications will be issued for voluntary departure, as required by law. Rules are to be followed – non-compliance has consequences.” The minister’s remarks confirmed an earlier report published in Jornal de Notícias, sparking widespread attention and concern among immigrant communities and advocacy groups.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Portugal’s immigration policy, moving from what had been seen as a relatively open and humanitarian approach to one focused on stricter enforcement of legal procedures and residency requirements. Portugal had previously been recognized for its relatively inclusive stance on immigration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when temporary residency rights were extended to thousands of migrants awaiting documentation. However, the recent change in government and increasing political pressure to control irregular migration have prompted a more hardline stance. The minister emphasized that the individuals affected by the notifications are not recent arrivals but rather people who have been residing in the country under irregular or illegal circumstances, including those who had already received removal orders from other EU countries; were subject to entry bans within the Schengen Area; or had criminal records which legally disqualify them from obtaining residence permits in Portugal.
The situation remains fluid, with approximately 110,000 pending residency applications still under review by AIMA. Leitão Amaro acknowledged that “most of these cases will likely be approved,” but warned that additional denials are expected, which would result in further notifications for departure. The uncertainty is creating anxiety among immigrants, many of whom have been living and working in Portugal for years, contributing to the economy and integrating into society, but who remain in legal limbo due to bureaucratic backlogs, inconsistent documentation, or changes in residency requirements. Advocacy groups warn that stress and fear of deportation could have serious social consequences, particularly for families with children in school or for those who have established roots in their local communities.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through Portugal’s immigrant communities, especially those from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, many of whom arrived under the hope of finding better opportunities in Europe. NGOs and legal aid organizations are preparing for an influx of requests for assistance, both to contest the notices and to support those facing removal.
There is also concern about the potential rise in undocumented status if people go underground rather than face deportation. The government has said that initial notices will offer a 20-day window for voluntary departure, after which coercive measures may be applied. Leitão Amaro confirmed that the government has asked AIMA, the Internal Security System (SSI), and law enforcement agencies to begin coordinating efforts to ensure that removal orders are actually executed.
Amid growing debate, civil society groups are calling for a balanced approach that considers both the rule of law and humanitarian values. They argue that Portugal’s long-term interests lie in creating a fair and functional immigration system that integrates those already contributing to society, rather than criminalizing vulnerable populations.
This latest development has sparked a wider public discussion about the direction of immigration policy in Portugal and how to reconcile legal enforcement with the country’s long-standing values of solidarity, human dignity, and integration. Portugal has historically positioned itself as a nation that upholds democratic principles and human rights, particularly in its treatment of migrants and refugees. The tension now lies in maintaining this tradition while responding to growing concerns over the capacity of institutions to manage migration in a lawful and orderly way. As the government moves forward with a more regulated approach, many observers emphasize the importance of designing policies that are not only effective but also aligned with the inclusive and humanitarian ethos that has shaped Portugal’s reputation on the international stage.
