Portugal to Notify Over 18,000 Immigrants of Expulsion Amid Tightened Immigration Controls

In the coming months, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) will issue expulsion notices to 18,000 immigrants who are residing in the country without legal status. These individuals either violated Portugal’s immigration laws or failed to meet EU residency requirements, according to official sources.

The measure follows a recent review of 110,000 foreign nationals currently living in Portugal. While the government acknowledges that the majority are likely residing legally, those found to be in an irregular situation will be formally notified. Authorities have warned that if they do not leave voluntarily, forced deportation will follow.

Brazilian Nationals Among the Most Affected

Brazilian immigrants, who represent the largest foreign community in Portugal with over 150,000 residents, are expected to be significantly impacted. While the exact number of Brazilians affected remains unclear, statistics show a sharp rise in refused entries.

In 2023, 179 Brazilians were denied entry, but that number soared to 1,400 in 2024—a dramatic increase of over 700%, according to the 2024 Annual Homeland Security Report. Reasons for refusal included lack of valid purpose for travel, incorrect documentation, or expired visas.

According to a report by O Globo, of the 1,700 people barred from entering Portugal in 2024, the majority were Brazilian. In contrast, only 373 people were refused entry in 2023, with 47% of them being Brazilian nationals.

In addition, AIMA announced that starting April 28, 2025, the process for granting and renewing residence permits in Portugal will be subject to stricter regulations, reinforcing the government’s broader effort to ensure immigration compliance.