KATHMANDU: Portugal has recently passed a law tightening immigration rules.

The bill, supported by the country’s right-wing groups, is expected to create challenges for immigrants seeking family reunification.

The law has not yet been fully ratified and will come into effect only after presidential approval.

The controversial bill, proposed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s conservative government, was debated in parliament for months.

It had the backing of Portugal’s right-wing populist Chega Party, while the Socialist Party and other left-wing groups voted against it.

The law will make family reunification particularly difficult for immigrants coming to Portugal. Under the new regulations, only highly skilled workers will be eligible for work visas.

The law also provides for the establishment of a new police unit to combat illegal immigration. This unit has the authority to deport immigrants without residence permits.

Currently, the largest immigrant group in Portugal comes from Brazil. Under the new law, Brazilian nationals will no longer automatically receive residency permits upon arrival.

The new legislation will also affect Nepalis living in Portugal. As of January 2025, there are over 50,000 Nepali immigrants in Portugal. The number has grown rapidly in recent years—from around 21,000 in 2022 to 40,000 by 2024.

Nepalis are primarily settled in Lisbon, Porto, Beja, Faro, and Setúbal, working in agriculture, hotels and restaurants, construction, and manufacturing. Their growing numbers have helped address Portugal’s labor shortages. However, the new law is expected to slow the influx of Nepali workers.

Previously, Nepalis already faced legal challenges due to irregular immigration. Under the new law, immigrants must have lived in Portugal for at least two years before bringing family members such as spouses or children.

Earlier, this process was easier. Now, only highly skilled individuals will receive work visas. Job-seeker visas are limited, and those unable to find employment within 120 days must leave the country.

Impact on Nepalis

Nepalis mainly work in agriculture (such as fruit picking) or the service sector, which are considered low-skill jobs.

This will limit new entries and make visa renewals for existing workers more difficult. Consequently, unemployment, exploitation (lower wages), and illegal activities may increase.

The new police unit can immediately deport immigrants without residence permits.

By the end of 2025, more than 18,000 illegal immigrants are expected to be deported, including many Nepalis, Indians, and Bangladeshis.

Portugal had been an “easy destination” for Nepalis, who often used it as a gateway to other European countries. Under the new law, the risk of deportation has increased.

According to statistics, around 400,000 immigration applications are still pending in Portugal, including a significant number of Nepali applicants.