The government wants to extend the detention periods for foreigners in temporary accommodation centres (CIT) and equivalent spaces for the purpose of removal from the country from the current 60 days to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.

The placement of a foreign citizen in a temporary accommodation centre cannot exceed what is strictly necessary for the execution of the forced removal decision, with a limit of 180 days, extendable for an equal period, in the event of a lack of cooperation from the foreign citizen or delays in obtaining the necessary documentation from third countries,” states the Government document that will be discussed in parliament.

The proposal foresees the introduction of new coercive measures, such as alternatives to detention, including the deposit of bail or a financial guarantee, the obligation to hand over travel documents, and open-regime placement in temporary accommodation centres.

The Government also proposes the end of voluntary abandonment notices, as well as extending the entry ban period in Portugal for foreigners forcibly removed to five years, a period that may be further increased in aggravated situations.

According to the proposal, a foreigner with a minor Portuguese child cannot be expelled from the country; however, it establishes limits on removals, namely that only those who “were born in Portuguese territory and have resided here for at least five years” can avoid expulsion.

The proposal aims to change the reception regime in the centres. of temporary installation, which are managed by the PSP, the immigration law and the legislation that regulates asylum.

The Government's decree was strongly criticised in opinions requested by parliament, receiving negative positions from the Portuguese Council for Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Superior Councils of the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Administrative and Tax Courts.

Parliament is also discussing the bills from Chega, which amends the regime for granting asylum and subsidiary protection, with a view to strengthening the control of external borders and the stay and transit of foreign citizens in national territory, and from Livre, which prohibits the detention of particularly vulnerable people in Temporary Accommodation Centres and Equivalent Spaces.