The Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) approved in general terms proposals from the Azores and Madeira to alter access rules for the social mobility subsidy (subsídio de mobilidade social or SSM), waiving the requirement for regularised contributory status for air travel, RTP reports. The change is aimed at easing travel access for residents of the islands; details and final wording will be set when the proposals return for detailed votes. Island residents and those booking subsidised travel should watch for final approval and implementation rules.
Parliament approves regional travel subsidy changes
Wednesday, 18 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) is Portugal’s unicameral parliament of 230 deputies elected for four‑year terms; it makes laws, approves the budget and oversees the government.
The social mobility subsidy (subsídio de mobilidade social, SSM) helps residents of the Azores and Madeira cover the cost of required air travel to the mainland or between islands. On 18 February 2026 the Assembly approved in general terms proposals to waive the requirement for regularised contributory status for SSM access for air travel, so people without regular social security contributions may become eligible once the measure is finalised.
Portugal recently revised its return legislation to replace the phrase 'voluntary abandonment' with a formal 'duty to abandon', aligning national rules with EU return standards and making an obligation to leave explicit for third‑country nationals subject to removal decisions. For migrants this clarifies legal responsibilities and can affect the timing and procedures of removals, including when assisted or enforced return measures may be used.
The Assembleia da República (Assembly of the Republic) is Portugal's unicameral parliament, made up of 230 deputies elected every four years, responsible for making laws and overseeing the government. Quercus sent its letter to the government and the Assembly to push lawmakers to consider banning non‑biodegradable wet wipes and to create a biodegradable labelling rule.
