The Portuguese government has announced a significant change in its immigration policy, aimed at streamlining residence permits for athletes while discontinuing the process for immigrants who are already in the country.
Under the new policy, sports clubs and federations expressing interest in foreign athletes will benefit from an expedited residence permit process. This move allows these organizations to enter into agreements with the government to accelerate the regularization of athletes from third countries who are already within Portugal’s immigration system.
The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum will sign a protocol with various sports organizations to facilitate faster residence permit procedures. This measure addresses concerns about foreign nationals who arrive in the Schengen Area for sports events and subsequently seek to remain in the country.
In recent months, there have been multiple instances of athletes from developing countries overstaying their visas or applying for asylum after entering the Schengen Zone for athletic performances. This situation has led to increased caution among host countries when granting visas.
Consequently, Portugal has decided to end the process that allowed sports clubs to facilitate the regularization of foreign nationals who entered the country on tourist visas.
Amid pressure from Portugal’s League of Clubs and various sports federations, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s administration has agreed to terminate the expression of interest process for immigrants already in Portugal. This decision is aimed at addressing the issues faced by clubs and ensuring a more efficient handling of residency applications for athletes.
The expedited residence permit procedures will involve several key organizations, including:
– The Foreigners and Borders Coordination Unit (UCFE)
– The Portuguese Handball Federation
– The Portuguese Basketball Federation
– The Portuguese Football Federation
– The Portuguese Skating Federation
– The Portuguese Volleyball Federation
– The Portuguese Professional Football League
The government has justified the policy shift by emphasizing the economic and social significance of professional sports and the public interest in supporting athletes. A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the “exceptional appeal” provided under Article 123 of the Foreigners Law is warranted by the unique needs of professional athletes and the importance of the sports sector.
Pedro Proença, President of Liga Portugal, expressed optimism about the new policy, stating that it would resolve transfer-related issues for clubs and provide stability in the transfer window.
Despite the overall positive response, some clubs, including FC Alverca, Santa Clara, Estrela da Amadora, and UD Leiria, have expressed concerns about the discontinuation of the expression of interest process and delays in regularization procedures. These clubs worry that the new policy may pose challenges in managing their foreign player rosters.
The government’s move represents a significant shift in Portugal’s approach to immigration and sports, aiming to balance efficient processing with regulatory oversight.
