Latest news and stories about expat rights in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
The CGTP trade union federation plans to attend a government meeting on labour law reforms despite not receiving an invitation, asserting its constitutional right to participate in the legislative process.
The Beja Court has sentenced five individuals to prison terms of up to six and a half years for the exploitation of immigrants in the Alentejo region, while 17 others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is calling for the creation of a specialized court to handle the massive backlog of immigration-related lawsuits. João Massano, head of the Lisbon Regional Council, estimated that there are currently 200,000 cases pending in administrative courts against the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). Visa holders and those awaiting residency should note that the proposal aims to speed up judicial decisions through mediation and specialized judges.
The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is the professional body that regulates lawyers in Portugal, manages ethics and professional registration, and organises legal aid and court-appointed defence. The association can set up permanent teams of court-appointed lawyers if it judges the current system inadequate, which is why the Ministry of Justice said it would not object to such a move.
João Massano is the President of the Lisbon Regional Council of the Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados). He is currently highlighting the backlog of 200,000 cases in administrative courts involving the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo or AIMA). Those awaiting residency should note his proposal for specialized judicial branches to speed up these pending immigration proceedings.
Mafalda Guerra, a Chega activist, was dismissed following an RTP investigation that uncovered her properties being utilized as illegal housing for immigrants in Lisbon. The report raised significant concerns regarding the legality of the rentals and the implications for immigrant communities.
Seven PSP officers are facing preventive detention due to serious allegations of torture and other crimes against vulnerable individuals, including homeless people and foreigners. This follows an investigation that revealed disturbing incidents of violence at the Rato police station in Lisbon. The Minister of Internal Administration has defended the majority of police professionals while emphasizing the need for accountability and trust in law enforcement. The case has raised significant concerns about the conduct of police officers and the protection of human rights within the security forces.
The PSD party is seeking to amend the legal framework for gender and name changes in the civil registry by reintroducing medical validation, a move that faces internal opposition, particularly from MP Bruno Vitorino who has called for the bill's withdrawal.
DECO, the Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection, reported receiving over 500 requests for information and complaints from members regarding insurance policies. The inquiries primarily focused on coverage extent, deductibles, and compensation limits, particularly in the wake of recent bad weather that led to delays in assessments and compensation calculations.
The proposed reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure threatens to impose financial penalties on lawyers for actions deemed 'manifestly unfounded' by judges, creating a two-tier criminal justice system that disproportionately impacts less affluent citizens. With fines ranging from €204 to €10,200, and potential disciplinary actions for repeat offenses, this legislation undermines legal certainty and fairness, ultimately jeopardizing the right to a fair trial.
The Supreme Court of Justice has denied a habeas corpus request from former GNR officer João Lopes, who was convicted for his involvement in assaults against immigrants in Odemira. Lopes, along with six other officers, faced charges related to multiple instances of kidnapping and assault, leading to a sentence of over eight years in prison.
The Government has actively engaged in revising labour law, presenting a draft bill on 24 July and reconvening the Permanent Commission for Social Dialogue in September. Following several meetings with business confederations and the UGT, a significant meeting is scheduled for 3 March to further discuss the labour law reform, indicating ongoing negotiations and collaboration among stakeholders.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Lisbon and Porto to protest against the government's proposed changes to the labour law, known as the 'Work XXI' reform. Led by the CGTP union, the protests highlighted concerns that the reforms would negatively impact workers' rights. CGTP's Secretary-General, Tiago Oliveira, called for the government to withdraw the labour package, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the workforce.
The Labour Package represents a regression to 19th-century laws, raising concerns about its implications for modern policy and rights.
The article discusses the use of the term 'humanism' in government immigration policies, highlighting the contrast between benevolent rhetoric and restrictive practices. It emphasizes the need for genuine humanist approaches in immigration, particularly in light of contributions immigrants make to society. The appointment of Luís Neves to the Ministry of Internal Administration is seen as a potential turning point in addressing anti-immigration sentiments, particularly those rooted in economic and crime-related fears. The article calls for a more comprehensive and courageous political approach to combat identity fears associated with immigration.
A patient was denied an appointment with their family doctor due to arriving one minute late, as communicated by a secretary at the health centre. This incident raises questions about patient rights and the flexibility of healthcare services.
The revision of the Labour Code is viewed as an unforced error, raising concerns about its implications for workers' rights and policy effectiveness.
The recent storms have left many families devastated, losing their homes and facing a lack of government support. This report highlights the personal accounts of those affected, shedding light on the fear, destruction, and uncertainty they now endure.
A lawsuit is set to be filed against Portugal in the European Court of Human Rights due to complaints from immigrants regarding the state's failure to comply with its own laws. Brazilian activist Amanda Abreu has gathered over two hundred testimonies highlighting issues such as obstruction of justice and xenophobia, which have severely impacted immigrants' access to documentation, family reunifications, and essential services. The legal action aims to compel Portugal to adhere to its constitutional laws rather than to punish the state. The testimonies will also contribute to a scientific article and a report for the European political party Volt, focusing on legislative review in the European Parliament.
The issue of fake recibos verdes is a critical concern that transcends political ideologies, emphasizing the need for labor justice. Addressing this problem is essential for ensuring fair labor practices and protecting workers' rights.
Brazilian lawyer André Lima discusses whether serious health conditions, such as cancer, provide priority in renewing residence permits in Portugal. He clarifies that while the Foreigners' Law does not guarantee automatic priority, the legal system allows for urgent treatment requests based on individual circumstances, emphasizing protections rooted in constitutional rights and administrative principles.
João Lopes and Ruben Candeias, the last two GNR officers involved in the assault of immigrants in Odemira, have been sentenced to prison terms of 6 years and 9 months and 7 years and 10 months, respectively. They will serve their sentences in Évora prison, marking a significant legal outcome in the case.
The article critiques the Government's Labour Package, titled Work XXI, arguing it regresses rather than innovates in the realm of work. It emphasizes the need for the Labour Code to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, advocating for provisions that protect outdoor workers and clarify absence policies during public calamities. The author calls for a Labour Code that prioritizes safety and preparedness for the challenges of the 21st century, rather than the outdated framework proposed by the Government.
In his analysis, Carlos Rodrigues argues that the public's fatigue is not with the electoral process itself, but rather with the persistent issues that remain unresolved despite repeated elections. He emphasizes the need for effective policies that address the economic and social challenges faced by citizens, suggesting that voters are seeking real solutions rather than just political rhetoric.
The president of the Bar Association has emphasized the urgent need for Portugal to implement a National Legal Emergency Plan to address pressing legal issues.
Since the end of January, the country has been dealing with the aftermath of consecutive storms that have caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure. In response, companies facing crises may require employees to assume different roles temporarily. However, businesses must be cautious about the implications this may have on insurance and labor laws.
