Portugal copies Trump, to expel 18,000 undocumented migrants ahead of May election

Portugal seems to have taken a leaf out of US President Donald Trump’s book on dealing with undocumented migrants. Just like the Trump administration deported hundreds of people claiming they had entered the US illegally, Portugal’s caretaker government announced plans to expel approximately 18,000 undocumented migrants ahead of the general election scheduled for May 18, 2025.

Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated that the government would begin issuing expulsion notices next week, starting with an initial group of around 4,500 individuals who will be asked to leave voluntarily within 20 days. Those who do not comply will face deportation. Amaro emphasized that these actions are in response to individuals who have entered or remained in the country illegally, "violating Portuguese and European rules."

Opposition parties, including the Socialist Party, have criticized the move as a populist tactic aimed at garnering support from right-wing voters, particularly those sympathetic to the far-right Chega party, which has gained significant traction in recent years.


Supporters of the government's decision argue that it is necessary to uphold the rule of law and address concerns about illegal immigration. However, critics warn that the timing of the announcement may be politically motivated and could exacerbate social tensions.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's minority government collapsed in March following a confidence vote over allegations of a conflict of interest tied to his family business, Spinumviva, which reportedly received payments from a company with a government gambling concession.

This crisis led to the dissolution of Parliament and early elections, marking Portugal's third election in just over three years, amid growing political instability since the 1974 Carnation Revolution.

Portugal has long been a destination for migrants, particularly from former colonies in Africa and Brazil. While the country has had relatively lenient immigration policies in the past, the rise in undocumented immigration has sparked debates over border control and security.