Lisbon, June 11, 2026 — Portugal’s Parliament discussed today two Government proposals that may bring important changes to the country’s asylum, border control and return procedures.
The proposals are linked to the European Union’s Migration and Asylum Pact and aim to update Portuguese law in line with new EU rules on migration management, border screening and international protection.
The first proposal, Proposta de Lei 75/XVII/1, focuses on border control and the return procedure at the border. It includes the creation of a mandatory screening process for third-country nationals, including identity checks, security checks and other procedures before deciding what legal route applies to each person.
The same proposal also creates a specific return procedure for people whose requests for protection at the border are refused. It also changes Portugal’s Foreigners Law, Lei n.º 23/2007, which regulates entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign citizens from national territory.
The second proposal, Proposta de Lei 76/XVII/1, focuses on asylum and international protection. It changes the Portuguese asylum law, Lei n.º 27/2008, and aims to reform the way applications for asylum or subsidiary protection are assessed. The proposal also changes procedural deadlines and adapts national law to several EU regulations under the Migration and Asylum Pact.
According to reports, the Government says these measures are intended to make the system faster, more effective and more aligned with European rules. Supporters argue that the changes will strengthen border control and improve the management of asylum and return procedures.
However, the proposals have divided political parties, with opposition voices raising concerns about fundamental rights, access to protection, and the possible impact on vulnerable people seeking asylum.
Today’s debate does not mean the law has already been approved. The proposals were discussed in general terms in Parliament on 11 June. The vote in generality is expected to take place on Friday, 12 June 2026.
If approved in generality, the proposals will still need to continue through the parliamentary process before becoming final law.
For immigrants and foreign residents in Portugal, it is important to understand that these proposals mainly concern asylum, border screening, return procedures and changes to the Foreigners Law and Asylum Law.