More than 27,000 immigrants were informed, this year, that they should leave Portugal. However, only around 800 complied with the voluntary departure notice, according to figures provided by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro.
Speaking to Diário de Notícias, a source for the PSP police has said it expects to force more than a thousand immigrants to leave the country by the end of the year. Even so, around 25,000 departure notices are set to remain “uncomplied with”.
Several reasons have been given for the difference between the number of notices issued and departures actually carried out.
The PSP explains that some people may have already left the country (for a destination elsewhere in Europe, usually), but that their departure has not yet been recorded by the authorities.
There are also cases in which proceedings are suspended due to legal appeals, including interim measures that prevent departure from the country until the courts reach a decision.
Even when proceedings have been completed, difficulties may arise in obtaining documents from the immigrants’ countries of origin.
For its part, the National Foreigners and Borders Unit says it prioritises assisted voluntary return.
With the new law coming into force, the voluntary departure notice will cease to exist, making leaving the country mandatory.
If this obligation is not fulfilled, the police can then detain the person and initiate forced removal proceedings.
Source material: SIC Notícias
Natasha Donn
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.