Kathmandu, May 5
The Portuguese government is preparing to deport around 18,000 foreign nationals ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections. Authorities say the move targets individuals residing in Portugal without proper documentation or legal status.
Portugal is set to hold midterm elections on May 18. During the election campaign, Minister António Leitão Amaro announced that the government will soon issue orders for approximately 18,000 undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, according to the Associated Press.
The deportation process is expected to begin next week. Initially, around 4,500 individuals will be given a 20-day deadline to voluntarily leave Portugal. The effort will continue in phases after the initial round.
Immigration a key issue
Immigration has emerged as a major political issue in Portugal. There have been growing calls to tighten deportation measures for those entering the country illegally. According to Euronews, Minister Amaro emphasised last week that the country’s deportation system is ineffective and needs urgent reform.
Portugal is one of the three European countries with the lowest deportation rates. Most deportation orders are issued to individuals who violate immigration laws, Amaro said.
Rise of the far-right in Portugal
Like many other European nations, Portugal is witnessing a surge in far-right sentiment. Experts say the growing appeal of nationalism, right-wing ideology, and populism is reshaping the country’s political landscape. In the March 2024 elections, the far-right Chega party gained significant ground, securing 18% of the vote and becoming the third-largest party in Portugal.
Founded in 2019, Chega has quickly built a notable support base. The party’s leader, André Ventura, has faced repeated accusations of racism and Islamophobia.
According to Politico magazine, Ventura’s rapid political rise is largely driven by his provocative proposals. For example, in 2020, Chega introduced a controversial bill calling for chemical castration of individuals convicted of sexual crimes against children. However, Portugal’s Superior Council of the Judiciary ruled the proposal unconstitutional and struck it down.
Political instability fuels extremism
Chega has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies. Critics accuse the party of targeting immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and even the Roma population.
Many analysts believe that growing political instability is a key factor behind the rise of the far-right. The upcoming May 18 election will be Portugal’s third general election in three years.
Adding to the political uncertainty, both of the country’s major parties—the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD)—have faced corruption allegations. Amid this climate, Chega’s promise to overhaul the existing political system is resonating with an increasing number of voters.
