Portugal has committed €30 million from its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) to establish two migrant repatriation centers and strengthen police enforcement efforts. This marks a significant shift in the country’s migration policy, as officials acknowledge the need for stricter border control. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated that Portugal can no longer maintain an open-door approach, signaling a tougher stance on irregular migration.
The repatriation centers, designed to accommodate a total of 300 individuals, will address concerns about Portugal’s low rate of migrant expulsions. Despite issuing 340 expulsion orders in the second quarter of 2024, Portugal only carried out 15 deportations, according to Eurostat. The new facilities aim to improve enforcement by centralizing repatriation efforts and facilitating faster deportations. One center will be built in Odivelas, near Lisbon, while the other will be situated in northern Portugal.
The decision aligns with growing pressure from the European Union for member states to enforce stricter migration and asylum policies. As part of this shift, Portugal is reassessing its NRRP spending priorities. The government has scrapped major infrastructure projects, including the Lisbon metro expansion and planned low-cost housing developments, citing time constraints as a key factor. Instead, funds are being redirected toward migration control and enforcement.
Portugal’s new policy direction reflects broader concerns about migration trends across Europe. While the country has historically been known for its relatively open and inclusive approach, officials now argue that current policies are unsustainable. The establishment of repatriation centers is intended to streamline deportations while ensuring compliance with EU regulations on migration management.
The initiative has sparked debate among human rights groups and migrant advocacy organizations, who warn that increased deportations could put vulnerable individuals at risk. Critics argue that Portugal should focus on integration policies rather than expulsion, emphasizing that many migrants contribute to the country’s economy and workforce. However, the government insists that the move is necessary to maintain order and prevent irregular migration.
Beyond enforcement, Portugal is also strengthening its police operations to manage migration more effectively. The allocated NRRP funds will support law enforcement agencies in identifying and processing irregular migrants. Authorities hope that improving deportation mechanisms will deter unauthorized migration and reduce the burden on public services.
As Portugal adopts a more restrictive approach to migration, the long-term impact of these policies remains uncertain. The government believes that stricter enforcement will help control migration flows and align the country with EU directives. However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will successfully address concerns about irregular migration while balancing humanitarian considerations.