AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Portugal has granted impunity to immigrants, who have illegally entered the country, but at the same time the government announced new measures for tightening entry controls in accordance with the Schengen II treaty.
At present, more than 100'000 foreigners benefit from a regularized situation in Portugal. An additional 100'000 have entered the country illegally. Most of them come from Portugal's former colonies in Africa.
The illegal immigrants must legalize their status within four months and residence permits will only be granted to applicants who have a place of work or sufficient means of existence. Moreover, they must have lived in the country since at least six months. Preferential treatment will be granted to nationals from the former colonies Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cap Verde and Sao Tome and Principe.
Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 23/24.2.92