Portugal Parliament Approves Tougher Immigration Law Backed by Far Right

Portugal's right-wing parliamentary majority, including support from the far-right Chega party, approved a revised immigration bill aimed at controlling the country's rising influx of immigrants. The legislation, passed after the Constitutional Court struck down an earlier harsher version, maintains a two-year residency requirement for immigrants to request family reunification but allows this period to be halved for couples who cohabited for over a year before moving to Portugal, and permits children under 18 or dependents with disabilities to join regardless of residency status. Left-wing parties opposed the bill, arguing it undermines Portugal's reputation as a welcoming country and mirrors restrictive policies seen elsewhere in Europe. Supporters, including Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro, contend the bill strikes a balance that reflects labor market needs and integration capacity, emphasizing that the era of an "irresponsible immigration policy" is over. Portugal has seen immigration double in recent years, with over 1.5 million foreign residents legally living in the country, creating pressures on housing, healthcare, and schools. The bill exemplifies the broader rightward political shift across Europe, where governments adopt tougher immigration measures to counter far-right political gains.