Crisis Doubles the Number of Brazilians Barred from Entering Portugal

07/28/2017 - 10h27

Advertising

GIULIANA MIRANDA

FOLHA CONTRIBUTOR, IN LISBON

The number of Brazilian travelers barred from entering Portugal has skyrocketed 91.3% in 2016 compared to the previous year, and 198.8%, compared to 2014.

Authorities sent a total of 968 people home over the past year – an average of 2.6 individuals per day.

The Foreigners and Borders Service (known by its Portuguese acronym as SEF), a body in charge of Portugal's immigration control, issued a report this week stating they expect a new flow of Brazilians attempting to stay in the country illegally.

"There has been an increase in migration pressure regarding illegal immigration," says the document.

According to Portuguese authorities, this new flow of illegal immigrants is "possibly explained by Brazil's lingering economic crisis, since 2014, in addition to the mounting social and political crisis over the course of 2016."

Portugal is traditionally one of the most sought-after migration destinations for Brazilians, due to its cultural and linguistic affinity, and Brazilians compose the largest community of foreigners in the country.

However, at the beginning of the decade, a form of Brazilian exodus began. Whereas Portugal was facing the peak of its economic crisis and austerity, including tax increases and wage reductions, Brazil was booming and a record number of jobs were created.

In light of such scenario, many Brazilians who lived in Portugal returned to Brazil.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

Read the article in the original language