Today, 17 September 2025, immigrant workers from Lisbon, Porto, Odemira, and the Algarve are gathering at 2:00 PM outside the Assembleia da República. They intend to hand a formal petition to Parliament as legislators reopen debate on the Foreigners’ Law and the Nationality Law — both recently sent back from constitutional scrutiny.
Their demands are grounded in human rights: the right to legal documentation, family reunification (without the proposed two-year wait), release of those detained without criminal charge, and justice and respect in immigrant policy. These are not political theatrics, but urgent calls for dignity from people contributing to Portuguese society.
This moment could mark a shift: as Parliament begins discussing reforms, immigrant voices are refusing to be sidelined. The presence of real people — workers, parents, neighbours — with lived experience, demanding equity, may shape how proposed laws are written and enforced. We watch and hope their dignity is honoured.