Portugal Ends Era as Europe’s Welcoming Haven for Foreigners
Portugal is revising its immigration policies to move away from its image as a welcoming destination for immigrants. The right-leaning government has revoked the “manifestation of interest” mechanism, which previously facilitated residency for non-EU citizens.
Portugal Welcoming for Foreigners
Changes to Residency Rules
- Previous Mechanism: Allowed non-EU citizens to enter without a prior employment contract and apply for residency after one year of social security payments.
- Popular Among: Digital nomads and workers in lower-wage sectors.
- Supporters’ View: Integrated more individuals into the formal economy.
- Critics’ View: Linked to the housing crisis.
Economic Impact of Migrants
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- Contribution: Migrants make up 14% of taxpayers, contributing €1.6 billion to the economy in 2022.
- Benefits Received: €257 million in social security benefits.
- Government’s Stance: Concerns about uncontrolled immigration.
New Immigration Focus
- Criteria: Prioritize individuals from Portuguese-speaking countries, students, and high-skilled workers.
- Affected Groups: Immigrants from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Pending Processes: Around 400,000 regularization processes pending.
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Broader Policy Shifts
- Golden Visa Program: Dismantled significant parts, previously allowed residency through property purchase.
- NHR Tax Scheme: Plans to end in 2024, previously offered a flat income tax rate of 20% for up to 10 years.
- Housing Market: Measures aim to prevent wealthy foreigners from driving up property prices, but house prices in Lisbon continue to rise.
Source: Economic Times
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