Portugal ends the last two routes to regularisation without a prior visa

New rules on regularisation and deportation took effect in Portugal on 11 September. The law, promulgated by President António José Seguro, was published in the Diário da República on 10 September.

The changes ended the last two possibilities for obtaining a residence permit without a prior visa: through enrolment in a vocational course and through a minor child present in Portugal. DN Brasil says the law's publication had been closely awaited by the immigrant community, especially people trying to regularise their status without a visa.

Voluntary-departure notifications are now replaced by an obligation to leave the country. A person who does not comply voluntarily may be detained and deported. According to DN Brasil, thousands of such notices have already been issued or are awaiting delivery, and some recipients have not yet appealed.