Migrant workers can no longer come to Portugal without a work visa No one will actually get a chance to become regular later on Analysts believe that this decision may affect the country's economy

Needless to say, suddenly and unexpectedly, Portugal made such a decision Because of which irregular migrant workers will not be allowed to stay in the country while applying for a work visa Rui Armindo Fraitas, the country's head of immigration policy and deputy minister, says the change is in line with European regulations.

But NGO representatives say otherwise They say the government has tightened the country's immigration policy under pressure from right-wing forces rallying against immigrants

Many irregular migrant workers are drawn to Portugal because of the opportunity to enter the country irregularly and then obtain the necessary documents, Freitas said.

He told Deutsche Welle that the opportunity should be closed quickly, as the immigration agency AIMA said there are still around 40,000 regularization applications awaiting scrutiny.

He further said, 'Many of the applications awaiting verification were submitted at least two years ago. This backlog should be completed by next June We are working to resolve issues that have been brewing for years.'

Migrant workers are important to the economy

From June, migrant workers who wish to work in Portugal must apply for a residence permit or residence permit at a Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad.

This condition has created frustration among migrant workers Because many countries from which migrant workers come to Portugal do not have Portuguese embassies or consulates.

For example, Nepal or Bangladesh Workers from these countries interested in agricultural and harvesting work have to visit the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi, the capital of India, to apply for a Portugal visa.

Luis Mira, Secretary General of the Portuguese Farmers' Association, considers the government's decision unrealistic "We need a lot of workers during harvest, if not at other times," he told German-based media The government must ensure that migrant workers can come to Portugal quickly and without excessive bureaucratic complications.'

Portugal's economy is heavily dependent on migrant workers Most of them come from various Asian countries and are engaged in agriculture These workers are given low wages to harvest broccoli, olives and pick berries for export to various European countries. Brazilians work in hotels, restaurants or the tourism industry And workers from different African countries work in the construction sector

Such a decision under the pressure of the right wing

Migrant workers in Portugal usually arrive in the country without the necessary documents They wait for years to get a residence permit However, at this time they are allowed to work in the country At the same time they have to pay taxes and contribute to the social security sector

Irregular immigration is a hot topic in Portugal, as in other European countries Far-right parties in particular are fueling the ongoing debate on the issue

Portuguese far-right and nationalist party Shega It means 'enough' They have gained popularity by opposing immigration The party has been calling for a referendum on immigration issues, including limiting immigration quotas

Deputy Minister Rui Armindo Fraitas, however, is not heeding the pressure from the right He says that the government wants fewer immigrants, but this is not the case But the government wants a clear policy on labor migration, so that right-wing forces do not get an opportunity to use the issue for their propaganda.

The head of Portugal's immigration policy believes that this change in immigration policy will ensure the rights and safety of people coming to Portugal. "It is important to integrate those who come into society," he said We need foreign workers for economic growth The new rules will benefit both those coming to this country and those already living here.'

Will the number of irregular immigrants increase?

Regarding the change in immigration policy, Freitas said it would protect immigrants from falling prey to human traffickers.

The number of applications showing interest in working in Portugal has fallen by almost a quarter in the past three months NGOs say many foreign workers are coming to the country irregularly

Farm and restaurant workers are coming because the country's growing economy needs them, said Alberto Matos of Solidariedade Immigrante (Solim), an organization that works to protect the rights of immigrants.

He said, "If these immigrants are not given the opportunity to become regular after they arrive in Portugal, the number of irregular immigrants will continue to increase."

Alberto Matos expressed concern that the government's new immigration policy could backfire