Portugal Issued 24% Fewer Work Visas to Foreign Nationals in the Last Three Months
Key Takeaways
- Portugal issued fewer work visas in June, July, and August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- The number of approved work visas decreased by 24%—from 1,666 last year to 1,266 this year.
- Stricter rules under Portugal’s new Action Plan for Migration have impacted foreign nationals seeking work visas.
Portugal has seen a significant drop in the number of work visas granted to foreigners in the past three months, following the implementation of its Action Plan for Migration.
According to Schengen.News, authorities confirmed that 24% fewer work visas were issued in June, July, and August 2024 compared to the same months in 2023. Data shows that Portugal approved 1,266 work visas during this period, down from 1,666 the previous year.
Despite the decline in the last three months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported an overall increase in work visas issued from January to August 2024, with 9,262 approvals—up 15% compared to the same period in 2023.
While the Ministry has not disclosed specific nationalities, embassies in cities such as Luanda, New Delhi, São Paulo, and Maputo accounted for the most approvals.
Stricter Rules for Foreign Workers
The Action Plan for Migration introduced stricter guidelines for foreigners seeking employment in Portugal. Under the new rules, non-EU nationals must secure an employment contract before migrating. This prevents individuals from entering the country without a job offer.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro emphasized that the measures aim to prevent system abuse. The government is also focusing on attracting foreign talent and fostering smoother integration for migrants. Additionally, the authorities are prioritizing efforts to ensure legal migration and curb irregular migration and human trafficking.