The Deputy Secretary of State for the Presidency, Rui Armindo Freitas, reports, in an interview with TSF and Diário de Notícias, that, three months after the end of the expressions of interest, results are already being seen.
The Government says that immigration in Portugal is decreasing and that a reduction in the migratory flow throughout the country is already evident.
In an interview with TSF and Diário de Notícias , the Deputy Secretary of State for the Presidency, Rui Armindo Freitas, explains that the end of the expression of interest regime, implemented just over three months ago, has halted the entry of more immigrants into Portugal.
"We are fully aware of a reduction in the flow of migrants. This is clear. But the expressions of interest must be explained and made better known to the general public. I think people hear about expressions of interest, but they are not aware that it was a unique regime in the European Union, that it was the path to indignity. It was one of the mainstays of illegal immigration networks, because here, in this part of Europe, there was a country where all you had to do was arrive and after a year, having been here and having entered illegally, that illegality would be remedied," he said.
Meanwhile, the Government has already reached an agreement with at least ten local authorities to open more immigrant service points, although the Secretary of State did not reveal which ones.
Since June 4, immigrants have had to arrive in the country with a work visa, and without this possibility, they are more exposed to poverty and social exclusion. The revocation of the right to express interest negatively affects not only immigrants, but also employers, who depend on foreign labor.