Portugal’s caretaker government has revealed a plan to expel around 18,000 undocumented migrants. This announcement comes just weeks before the country heads to the polls on May 18, triggering intense public criticism and concern over the nation’s political direction.
Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, made the announcement on Saturday, May 3. This move is one of several controversial decisions by the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), which lost a parliamentary confidence vote in March.
According to Euronews, the government will start by sending notices to 4,500 migrants, giving them 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily.
“Portugal needs to review its deportation system, which doesn’t work,” Amaro told local media. He said Portugal is among the weakest in Europe at removing migrants who break immigration laws or are considered security threats.
Political Tensions Rise as Snap Election Nears
The timing of this deportation policy has caused political tension. It was announced just weeks before snap elections, called by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. He stepped down due to a potential conflict-of-interest scandal. His family’s law firm had ties with a company that received a major gambling contract from the government.
Montenegro had served less than a year in office. He tried to ease the scandal by calling for new elections. However, opposition parties united and toppled his coalition government. His alliance had only 80 of the 230 seats in Parliament. The no-confidence motion passed with 128 votes, supported by both the centre-left Socialist Party and the rising far-right party, Chega.
Populism Gains Strength Amid Migration Debate
This deportation move comes at a time when populist ideas are spreading in Portuguese politics. Many citizens are worried about migration and the country’s economic situation. Chega, once seen as a fringe party, is now the third-biggest force in Parliament.
Analysts believe the deportation policy may be a strategy to win back conservative voters. Chega leader André Ventura has focused heavily on migration in his campaign. He has called for stronger border controls. The current government’s decisions seem to reflect his tough stance.
Although the PSD denies copying Chega, critics argue these steps are harming Portugal’s image as a country that values human rights and inclusive governance.
EU Funds and Economy at Risk
The deportation plan comes at a crucial moment for Portugal’s economy. The country is rolling out over €22 billion from the European Union to recover from recent crises. These funds are meant to rebuild infrastructure, boost the economy, and strengthen public services.
However, the ongoing political unrest threatens to delay or derail these recovery efforts. Many fear that the instability will weaken Portugal’s ability to make full use of the EU support.
Immigration System Under Pressure
Human rights organisations are also worried about how the deportation policy will be implemented. They believe it could harm migrants who have waited for years in Portugal without legal status. Many had applied during the pandemic but never got proper documents due to bureaucratic slowdowns.
Portugal’s immigration system has been overwhelmed for years, with backlogs worsening after COVID-19. Thousands of migrants remain stuck in administrative limbo, unsure about their future.
A Divided Nation Ahead of the Vote
Portugal, with a population of 10.6 million, is heading toward an uncertain election. The political centre is weakening, while both the left and right sides are gaining power. As the election nears, the country’s direction on migration, governance, and the economy hangs in the balance.
