Over 13,000 Indian Nationals Face Deportation Risk in Portugal

Significant Changes in Immigration Rules in Portugal

Lisbon — 20 August 2025 — Thousands of migrants in Portugal have received notifications to leave the country or face removal. Community advocates warn that over 13,000 Indian nationals could be affected. In response, Crown Portugal today announced a comprehensive support initiative for impacted families, calling for humane, lawful, and proportionate procedures that respect due process and dignity.

Final adoption of major immigration reform

in Portugal launches support desk as 13,000+ Indian nationals face deportation risk in Portugal

Crown Portugal today announced a dedicated Support Desk to assist Indian nationals and their families who may be affected by Portugal’s ongoing removal actions. The initiative offers legal triage, document review, appeals support, emergency referrals, and liaison with consular and community partners.

“Thousands of lives are being upended,” said Dharmjit Singh Saini, Director of Crown Portugal. “We urge a fair, case-by-case approach that respects due process and human dignity.”

Crown Portugal’s Support Initiative

Assistance compiling supporting evidence (employment, tenancy, tax, social security, family ties) for administrative reviews or court appeals, where available under law.

Another significant change concerns family reunification. In the past, immigrants could bring many family members to join them, like in-laws, cousins, and other relatives. Under the new law, only close family members, such as dependent children, will be allowed to join. The government claims this is to simplify and focus the process.

Presidential referral to the Constitutional Court

The Support Desk will operate in-person and online, with weekly clinics to review notifications to leave, rejection decisions, and appeal options under Portuguese law. Crown Portugal called on authorities to ensure access to interpretation and to consider factors such as employment history, family ties, and community integration.

Citizenship Law Reforms.

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