According to Sapo, the Portuguese government plans to launch a “Green Channel” policy to accelerate the process of issuing visas for foreign workers. The goal is to address the labor shortage faced by companies, while also regulating the process of immigrants entering Portugal. According to the agreement currently under discussion, companies must assume a series of obligations, including providing training and ensuring “adequate accommodation.”
Background and Objectives
The government hopes that through this policy, the phenomenon of “irregular immigration entry” can be ended, while at the same time ensuring that companies can obtain the labor force they need. The draft agreement shows that the government acknowledges that “labor immigration is crucial to Portugal’s economic development,” and notes that immigrants have made significant contributions to multiple economic sectors, bringing skills, experience, and knowledge, enriching the labor market and promoting national economic growth.
How the ‘Green Channel’ Works
The “Green Channel” process is divided into five steps:
1. Company submits application:The company must gather all necessary documents and send a visa appointment request via email to the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities (DGACCP).
2. DGACCP forwards the application:DGACCP must forward the application to the relevant consular office within two days and ensure priority scheduling of the appointment.
3. Consular office arranges interview:The consular office schedules the applicant’s interview time.
4. AIMA and UCFE issue opinions:The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) and the Foreigners and Borders Coordination Unit (UCFE) under the Internal Security System must each issue a visa approval opinion within three to five days.
5. Final decision by the consular office:The consular office makes the final visa decision within 20 days after the interview and affixes the visa sticker in the applicant’s passport.
Obligations of Companies
To benefit from this fast-track process, companies must fulfill the following obligations:
1. Provide a valid employment contract:Ensure a valid contract is signed with the foreign worker.
2. Provide training:Offer vocational training and opportunities to learn Portuguese (which can be supported by the Employment and Vocational Training Institute).
3. Ensure adequate accommodation:Provide or ensure access to suitable accommodation, and draft a plan to confirm the sufficiency of housing resources to avoid adding pressure to local housing.
4. Adhere to ethical recruitment principles:Reject and prevent any acts related to labor exploitation, human trafficking, or other behaviors that infringe on workers’ rights.
Scope of Application
The “Green Channel” applies to companies and associations that meet the following conditions:
Companies must have at least 150 employees, an annual turnover of 25 million euros, no debts to social security or tax authorities, and hold a valid permanent certificate.
Business associations must have at least 30 member entities and an annual turnover of 250 million euros.
Consequences of Violations
If companies fail to fulfill the obligations outlined in the agreement, they may lose their “Green Channel” eligibility.At the same time, AIMA has the right to suspend the “Green Channel” due to security reasons or excessive pressure on public services.
Policy Background
This policy originates from the government’s decision in the summer of last year to tighten immigration entry rules, abolishing the 882/892 mechanisms, and creating the “Green Channel” for business associations and companies to accelerate visa issuance.
After multiple discussions, the government has made some concessions — for example, it no longer requires that the “Green Channel” apply only to permanent contracts, and no longer obligates companies to cover the living expenses of foreign workers.
Although the agreement initially planned for signing on March 15 was not finalized, relevant parties expect that the agreement will be reached soon.