Latest news and stories about asylum policy in Portugal for expats and residents.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today dismissed the scenario of a migration crisis similar to 2015 in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, stating that the European Union (EU) is “better prepared” for potential migratory flows.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today dismissed the scenario of a migration crisis similar to 2015 in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, stating that the European Union (EU) is “better prepared” for potential migratory flows.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, 229,735 first-instance decisions were made, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year (200,005) and 10% compared to the previous quarter (209,770).
The right to asylum was not designed to replace an immigration policy, nor to operate as an automatic mechanism for access to the territory of the European Union.
Portugal may have to pay €8.4 million to avoid receiving 420 refugees from countries under greater migratory pressure. The Government has already confirmed the amount but says Brussels is re-evaluating the situation.
According to Diário de Notícias, Portugal will pay more than eight million euros in order not to host around 420 asylum seekers.
The Portuguese government chose to pay €8.44 million into the solidarity reserve intended to help countries facing migration pressure, instead of hosting 420 asylum seekers. The story was reported on Tuesday by Expresso. The issue concerns the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, which comes into force...
Portugal has agreed to pay €8.8 million in lieu of accepting migrants under the European Union’s solidarity arrangements, opting to contribute financially rather than relocate asylum-seekers to the country.
Home News Portugal pays for not accepting migrants Portugal pays for not accepting migrants The Government has decided to pay €8. 4 million to the European Commission for its refusal to accept 420 asylum seekers from other member states.
Portugal has committed to pay the amount so that it does not have to host any asylum seekers coming from other Member States, such as Spain or Italy. The government has thus agreed to take part in the European solidarity mechanism, despite having requested an exemption from the European Commission, which is still assessing the Portuguese case.
A stricter and more time-consuming regime, a more 'security-focused' stance, and 'harsh and disproportionate' measures: three experts comment on the proposed changes to foreign and asylum laws.
