The Portuguese government is working on a weekend, an online platform that allows the regularization of the employment contract of those who have already contributed to Social Security before June 4, 2024. This step, waiting for the sudden end of the expression of interest to the government, represents an important step to remove thousands of people from legal bodies. However, this initiative does not cover those who contribute independently or act as self-employed.
Lawyer Claudia Freitus explains that the initiative reduces the requirements previously provided for housing approval. “Before, it was necessary to prove a contribution of 12 months. Now, there is at least one month of discount on the scheduled date,” she said. The flexibility was the reaction of the lobby of lawyers and support groups who referred to the need to resolve those who were left powerless after expressing interest. The lawyer further noted that this system also mentioned a way to correct systemic problems, such as lack of appointments and difficulty in paying fees.
Catarina Zuckero, also an immigration expert, mentions that the government's decision benefits especially workers who are unable to do so regularly due to misinformation or lack of access to technology. “The platform is an opportunity for those who were in legal gestures and already contributed to social protection, but it is important to discount through the employer. It excludes self-employed workers and those who contribute independently,” she warned.
The sudden end of the expression of interest on June 324 creates a scene of legal uncertainty. Many people arrived in Portugal believing in the possibility of regularization through this system, but suddenly the option was closed without any warning. “There was no transition time for people to adapt to the new rules. The government just decided to end the system overnight,” criticized Catarina. She also added that the new system represents progress, but still all workers are far from thinking about irregular situations.
Claudia Freitus believes that other pending issues should be resolved soon, such as illegal email issues, fees and fabulous appointments. According to her, the IMA is already working to expand service capacity and resolve the outstanding situation in March. “There is a promise to increase the number of staff and streamline processes. We hope this will bring more peace to immigrants,” she said.
While this step is likely to regularly involve thousands of workers, it does not cover those who work without a formal agreement, a common problem in sectors such as construction and domestic work. Catarina mentions that informality often exposes migrants to exploitation. She added: “The new platform brings dignity to those who have employment contracts, but the principles need to be expanded to reach those who still live on the edge of their validity,” she added.
The platform’s announcement was met with enthusiasm, but also with caution. Given that many immigrants have difficulty with digital equipment, this system needs to be widely publicized and accessible. “There are still people who do not know how to access the platform or who do not have a computer to submit documents. It is essential to ensure technical and informational support so that no one is excluded,” he warns.
The Portuguese government must integrate as an effective and effective alternative to contribute regularly to the new platform with the issue of the new platform until June 2021. However, lawyers and experts agree: many workers must be guaranteed in Portugal, regardless of their recruitment system, to ensure that there is a guarantee of dignity and rights in Portugal.