The figures were presented by the Minister of the Presidency in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Public Security Police (PSP) expects to require more than 1,000 immigrants to leave Portugal by the end of the year, although around 25,000 voluntary departure notifications remain outstanding, Diário de Notícias reports.

Discrepancies in the figures

According to the PSP, the discrepancy between the number of notifications issued and the number of departures recorded may partly be explained by the fact that some immigrants have already left Portugal, but their departure has not been registered by the authorities.

Some cases are also suspended due to legal appeals, including interim injunctions preventing individuals from leaving the country until the courts have issued a decision. Even when these proceedings have been concluded, obtaining the necessary documentation from the immigrants' countries of origin can prove difficult for Portugal.

However, changes to the legislation provide for the removal of the assisted voluntary departure notification procedure, making departure from the country compulsory instead. If an individual fails to comply, the police may detain them and initiate forced removal proceedings.

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