The Portuguese government recently introduced an online platform to apply for resident permits. This platform was developed to ease the method of getting a residence permit in this nation. Ever since the launch, more than 113,000 immigrants who speak Portuguese have been offered residence permits in Portugal.
1,13,000 Portuguese-Speaking Immigrants Received Residence Permits
According to the reports by SchengenVisaInfo.com, the European Commission revealed that Brazilian inhabitants made up the majority of those who obtained residence permits in Portugal. The statement by the authority also states that 86.8% of permits were granted to Brazilian immigrants. Apart from Brazil, immigrants from Angola (5.5%) and San Tome (4.3%) also applied for the residence permit.
This newly launched platform is managed by the National Aliens and Borders Office (SEF) and has been open to the public since March 13, 2023. The primary motive behind the development was to make the residency application process easier for people who are nationals of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). The platform is intended to support more immigrants from Angola, Cape Verde, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, and East Timor.
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The Online Platform Will Replace In-Person Appointments
In their statement, the European Commission said that this online platform will remove the need for a face-to-face appointment. The platform will make the process of offering permits much quicker. According to the CPLP mobility agreement, the permit has a one-year initial validity period. This licence ensures that the holder will have access to social security, the job market, legal protections, and social and medical services. According to the statement, it is extendable for two additional two-year periods.
As per the organisation, SEF released more than 103,500 documents relating to payment out of the total number of applications. A total of 97,631 of these were resolved, resulting in the issuance of more than 93,200 residence permits. The Portuguese government stated in February 2023, that it would automatically grant one-year residence permits to nationals of CPLP member countries.
This online portal will certainly prove useful for the immigrants as well as the authorities.
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