Portugal is aiming to streamline its visa process and issue work visas to immigrants within a month, according to António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This announcement comes amid widespread criticism over delays in visa processing, particularly for applicants from Brazil, and Schengen.News reports.
Reports indicate that visa waiting times have surged, with some applicants experiencing delays of up to six months. These challenges have worsened since the elimination of the Expression of Interest program in June 2022, which previously allowed tourists to apply for work authorization after entering the country.
Portugal’s labor market urgently requires between 50,000 and 100,000 international workers annually to address significant workforce shortages. In sectors like construction alone, an estimated 80,000 workers are needed. Employers have warned that failure to meet these demands could hinder economic growth and derail national development goals.
To address these issues, the Portuguese government has proposed that consular services decide on visa issuance within 20 days. Measures to expedite the process include:
“We have made our commitment, and we expect others to make theirs,” said Minister Leitão Amaro, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving efficiency.
Despite the government’s assurances, immigration lawyer Elizabeth Lima has expressed doubts about the feasibility of the proposal. “It currently takes months to get a visa, and adding 50 employees won’t resolve the issue. Portugal has numerous consulates, and the resources are insufficient,” she told Politico Portugal.
Lima argued that addressing systemic inefficiencies and resource limitations is crucial to achieving the ambitious goal of processing visas within a month.
The Portuguese government’s proposal highlights its recognition of the critical role international workers play in supporting the country’s economy. However, successful implementation will require overcoming significant logistical and operational challenges.