Government praises regulated migration protocol as visa approvals rise
The government reports a positive assessment of the Cooperation Protocol for Regulated Labour Migration (Protocolo de Cooperação para a Mobilidade Laboral Regulada), which has processed over 3,300 visas in its first year. Approximately 60% of these work visas were granted for the agricultural sector to help meet labor demands. Those seeking work visas should note that this protocol aims to accelerate applications through the Portuguese diplomatic network in their home countries.
The regulated migration protocol is a system that allows business associations to request work visas for foreign citizens to fill specific labor shortages. In its first year, the program processed 1,163 visas, focusing on sectors where companies struggle to find local workers. Those seeking to move to Portugal for work should be aware that this mechanism provides a direct path through employer-backed applications.
