Speaking during a hearing on the 2027 State Budget, Rui Armindo Freitas said the AD Government had carried out a “profound reform of immigration policy in Portugal”, arguing that it had fulfilled its campaign commitments.

The Secretary of State believes the previous Government had deregulated the system and left services in a state of collapse, with “around one million cases accumulated”. Rui Armindo Freitas said that more than 98% of pending cases have now been resolved.

The official also said the Government had responded “on a large scale” in what he described as one of the “largest operations in the history of Portuguese public administration”. He sees this work as the appropriate way for the State to recover its capacity and “the trust of the Portuguese people”.

AIMA appointments

The official further explained that the Government had reorganised responsibilities, including “talent attraction, residence permit renewals and returns”, while approving essential legislation to “regulate all immigration channels and ensure that those who have no right to remain in Portugal are actually removed”.

Regarding AIMA, the Secretary of State said the Government had reorganised responsibilities relating to “talent attraction, residence permit renewals and returns”, while also approving legislation considered essential to “regulate all immigration channels”, allowing deportations to be carried out when necessary.

Freitas also highlighted the Government's work by stating that immigration growth in Portugal had fallen by 80%. He added that authorities now have information about the intentions of those seeking to live in Portugal, including access to details such as criminal records.

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