Lisbon Jan 22, 2026 — In a significant development ahead of Portugal’s presidential election runoff, former Social Democratic Party (PSD) figure Luís Marques Mendes has publicly declared his support for Socialist candidate António José Seguro in the upcoming second round scheduled for 8 February 2026.
Lisbon, Jan 18, 2026 — A poll conducted by the Catholic University for RTP indicates that António José Seguro and André Ventura will go to the second round of the presidential elections. According to the projection, the candidate supported by the Socialist Party will come in first place, with between 30 and 35 percent of the vote, and the leader of Chega will garner between 20 and 24 percent.
January 16, Beja — The Beja Court sentenced nine people, seven of whom were given prison sentences ranging from three to nine and a half years, and acquitted three others in a case involving the exploitation of immigrants in the Alentejo region .
Lisbon 14 Jan, 2026 — Citizenship applications in Portugal are taking more than four years to be completed, leaving thousands of immigrants waiting far longer than legally expected for a final decision.
According to reports, the delays affect a wide range of applicants, including long-term residents, families, and individuals who have lived and worked in the country for years. Many citizenship requests submitted in 2019 and 2020 are still pending, with little information provided on when they will be concluded.
Lisbon 14 Jan, 2026 — The Government has decided to pay €8.4 million to the European Commission for its refusal to accept 420 asylum seekers from other member states.
Under the European Union’s new migration framework, member states are expected to share responsibility for people arriving at Europe’s borders. This responsibility can take different forms: welcoming migrants directly, offering operational support, or contributing financially to countries under strain.
Portugal has chosen the latter.
Lisbon, Jan 9, 2026 — Portugal’s Parliament will hold a debate on 27 January to examine whether the time immigrants spend waiting for a residence permit should be counted toward the minimum legal residence period required to apply for Portuguese nationality.
The discussion will take place at the Assembleia da República, following a public petition led by immigration lawyer Priscila Corrêa, which has gathered more than 8,000 signatures.
Lisbon, Jan 7, 2026 – Portugal’s immigration authority, AIMA, has issued a key clarification for international students who wish to transition from a student residence permit to a work-based authorization after completing their studies.
The update applies to students from higher education, professional training, and secondary education who plan to remain in Portugal for employment purposes once their academic programs end.
Lisbon, Jan 06, 2026 – AIMA has issued an official clarification regarding proof of accommodation for the granting and renewal of Residence Permits in Portugal.
The procedure is mandatory after the Constitutional Court's rejection. The government downplayed the judges' refusal, arguing that the "essential points" of the legislation remain.
Lisbon Dec 19, 2025 — President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa returned the draft Nationality Law to Parliament this Friday, December 19th. This procedure is mandatory when legislation is rejected by the Constitutional Court.
On World Migrant Day, an open letter denounces the normalization of racism and indifference to immigrants in Portugal
A group of immigrants and descendants of foreigners in Portugal warned on Thursday of the public and political agenda in Portugal that aims at those who were not born in the country and for the growth of xenophobia and racism associated with anti-migration discourses.
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