World Immigration News

Portugal is tightening immigration restrictions and hindering regularization, but Italy has opened a legal shortcut to work, with a decree from November 17th that allows visas without quotas for descendants, requiring proof of ancestry and a contract, without yet granting automatic citizenship.

Release Date: 2026-01-02
Media: CPG
Summary: The article contrasts recent immigration policy shifts in Portugal and Italy, highlighting their implications especially for Brazilians considering moving to Europe. Portugal has tightened immigration rules, making regularization more difficult by strengthening residency requirements, creating a new immigration police force, and increasing oversight. These changes have introduced greater legal and practical uncertainty for migrants, particularly those already in the country or planning to legalize their status after arrival, and have reduced flexibility in managing documentation and transitions.

In contrast, Italy has introduced a new pathway through a decree issued on November 17 that removes annual quotas for work visas for descendants of Italians from seven countries, including Brazil. Under this system, applicants must prove Italian ancestry and secure a valid employment contract in Italy. The work visa remains valid only while the employment relationship exists and does not grant automatic citizenship.

At the same time, Italy has tightened its citizenship rules, limiting recognition mainly to children and grandchildren of Italians. As a result, the new measure is presented as a clear but limited legal channel for employment rather than a route to nationality. Overall, the article argues that while Portugal’s restrictions increase uncertainty, Italy’s quota-free work visa offers a more predictable option for eligible descendants with real job contracts, provided they clearly distinguish between temporary work authorization and the increasingly restricted path to citizenship.
Tags: Europe

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