Portugal Constitutional Court Blocks Right-Wing Immigration Restriction Bill

Portugal's Constitutional Court has blocked a right-wing-backed bill designed to restrict immigration by imposing a two-year waiting period for legal residents to request family reunification, citing that it would violate constitutional rights by likely separating families. The bill, supported by the center-right ruling coalition and the far-right Chega party, would have exempted only highly-skilled workers and certain investors from the waiting period. Following the court's decision, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa returned the bill to parliament, which is currently on recess, and called for a reassessment of its compliance with principles of equality, proportionality, and legal security. The legislation reflects a broader rightward trend in European politics as governments respond to far-right pressures with tougher immigration policies. Left-wing opposition parties have condemned the bill as inhumane and criticize the government's cooperation with Chega, while the government insists on the need for stricter immigration controls and plans to revise the bill in line with the court's guidance. Additionally, Portugal previously ended a program allowing migrants on tourist visas to obtain residence permits upon finding work, and the bill would have further restricted privileges for migrants from Portuguese-speaking countries by requiring long-term visas applied for abroad.