The Government is set to propose a revision of the Portuguese system regarding the return of foreign nationals in illegal situations in the coming weeks, highlighting that “the issues faced by other countries are also our concern.”
Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, made this announcement following a meeting of Interior Ministers in Luxembourg, emphasizing the collective challenge that all Member States of Europe face in dealing with foreign citizens in illegal circumstances. He noted that governments encounter difficulties in executing the return of these individuals, whether through voluntary or forced repatriation.
Leitão Amaro remarked, “Europe may have various entry points for asylum seekers and economic migrants willing to comply with our regulations, but those who do not must face removal as a consequence.”
Currently, Portuguese law mandates the detention of individuals who illegally enter the country in temporary centers, with a maximum detention period of 60 days. If expulsion is not achieved within this timeframe, the State is required to release these individuals, even if removal proceedings are still active. This situation was evident with several Moroccan citizens who disembarked illegally in Vila do Bispo last August, whose majority were released due to the expiration of the legal detention period despite their requests being largely rejected.
Earlier this year, the European Commission put forth a proposal for a unified European system for the return of illegal migrants, suggesting repatriation to safe third countries and enforced removal processes for individuals in irregular status within the EU. This proposal remains under review, with estimates indicating that only about 20% of third-country nationals required to leave the EU actually do, often evading authorities and moving to other EU nations.
Upon arriving in Luxembourg, Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, advocated for a stronger role for the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in border security, particularly through drone operations to enhance return management.
Brunner also urged EU nations to collaborate under the new migration and asylum pact, ensuring that effective initiatives are currently contributing to a decline in illegal crossings. He noted, “We are at a critical juncture in migration and asylum policy, with a 22% drop in border crossings this year, following a 37% reduction last year.”
The new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted in May 2024, focuses on combating illegal immigration and mandates solidarity among Member States through the equitable distribution of responsibilities.
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