‘Infringement procedure’ against Portugal concerning the CPLP mobility agreement

2.11.2023

Question for written answer  E-003243/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sandra Pereira (The Left)

The European Commission has launched an ‘infringement procedure’ against Portugal over the CPLP mobility agreement.

The mobility agreement under the CPLP establishes a visa for jobseekers with a view to reducing illegal immigration since it dispenses with the need for a prior opinion for visas for nationals of the relevant countries, provides for a residence permit and allows students enrolled in higher education to work in Portugal, thus putting an end an unjustifiable limit to the right to work. Visas for students and researchers will be valid for three years. The residence visa will allow family members to accompany the holder and constitutes prior authorisation for residence, providing tax, social security and national health service numbers. The validity period of temporary residence permits is to be extended to two years, renewable for successive periods of three years. Foreign minors are now entitled to child benefit. For refugees, the validity of the travel document is to be extended from one year to five, renewable under the same rules as the Portuguese electronic passport.

Which of these positive aspects, which in a way contrast with the inhumane, restrictive and instrumentalised aspects of the EU's migration policy, is the Commission opposed to, and on what grounds?

Submitted: 2.11.2023