Portugal Modifies Foreigners’ Law to Facilitate Immigration
Portugal has modified its foreigners’ law to facilitate immigration into the country as it is currently dealing with labour shortages in several sectors.
The Portuguese authorities have said that the country is currently faced with a lack of manpower, especially in the construction and tourism sectors. Thus, in order to be able to manage this situation, it was decided that the best option is to amend foreigners’ law, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Portugal’s new law on immigration was passed by parliament in July, and it officially entered into force on August 4. ANSA explains that the new law provides for a 120-day temporary visa. This visa can then be extended or 60 days for foreigners seeking work in Portugal.
Commenting on the country’s current situation, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Ana Catarina Mendes, said that Portugal needs immigrants due to its demographics, economy, and culture.
The modification of the law is expected to particularly benefit Portugal’s tourism sector as well as foreigners who are seeking a job outside their country.
Furthermore, ANSA notes that the simplification of these procedures was already the focus of the agreement among the Community of Portuguese Language Countries to facilitate the movement of workers as well as students between member states.
Apart from the above-mentioned, the new law includes provisions for digital nomads too. In line with the new law, digital nomads will have to follow facilitated formalities for visas.
Just recently, Portugal modified the law for the recognition of foreign driving licences too. The Portuguese authorities announced persons who hold a driving licence issued by the member states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) can now drive in Portugal without having to change their existing driving licence for a Portuguese one.
Citizens of countries whose driving licence are now recognised can drive in Portugal with their original driving licence even if they hold a Portuguese residence permit.
Additionally, it has been pointed out that the new rules apply only if the driver received or renewed the driving licence issued in a foreign country more than 15 years ago.
Similar to Portugal, Spain also eased work permit requirements for foreigners. The latter introduces new measures to its immigration regulations to make it easier for foreigners to work in the country.
According to the Spanish authorities, foreigners are now able to obtain a work visa more easily through a simplified process as the new decree reduces work permit application requirements for certain applicants.
Source: Portugal Modifies Foreigners’ Law to Facilitate Immigration – SchengenVisaInfo.com