Migrant Labour Law made inflexible by Portugal

Last updated on October 7th, 2024 at 06:23 am

Portugal has concluded the migration of illegal undocumented migrants and their stay for work by enforcing the strict and inflexible Migration Labour Law. It is estimated that around 300,000 of illegal migrants cross the borders of Portugal a year. The major illegal and undocumented migrants hail primarily from Brazil, Africa, and South Asian countries which includes Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India for agriculture, construction, and hospitality work. The previous Migrant Labour Law encouraged many migrants to invade Portugal without proper documents.

EU Immigration Rules

• New Pact on Migration and Asylum
• Return Border Procedure Regulation
• Revised Schengen Border Code
• Eurodac Regulation
• EU Talent Pool
• Visa Reciprocity

The EU Immigration rules are enforced to regulate, harmonise, and coordinate the management of irregular migrations which take place in the Member States. Based on this regulation, Portugal ended the practice of undocumented migration which was announced by the Deputy Minister of Portugal and the incharge of immigration policy, Rui Armindo Freitas. He said that there are 400,000 applications pending for the approval of legalisation.

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“The processing of these applications, some of which were submitted two years ago, should be organised by June of next year at the latest. We aim to solve problems that have built up over many years. The possibility of entering the country first and then obtaining the necessary papers attracted many illegal migrant workers” said Freitas

The migrants in Portugal are instructed to apply for the permit of residence at a Portuguese embassy or a consulate which is located outside the country, since June. This has become a huge frustration for many migrants from the foreign land who are majorly from the South Asian countries. Portugal is primarily famous for both historic factors and culinary delights. The success of this cuisine is achieved by the profitable vegetation where the farming is taken care of by the migrant workers of these countries for a low pay. Broccoli, Olives and Olive oil, Cork, grapes, oranges, apples, pears, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat, and corn are the major crops which are cultivated and exported in Portugal. Brazilians are involved in the hospitality industry and Africans in the construction sector. 

The tireless contribution of these migrant workers aids the economy of Portugal. It is really essential for the growth and maintenance of these sectors which are considered as the pillars of Portugal.

Sufferings encountered by the migrant workers are,

• Prolong waiting period to receive residence permit in Portugal
• Harsh working conditions
• Underpaid
• Over Workload
• Lack of proper documentation leads to exploitation by the employers
• Human trafficking
• Placed in a rigorous situation without the ability to seek legal help.