Irregular migration has emerged as a significant topic of discussion in contemporary European politics, drawing attention to varying responses and policies across member states. In Portugal, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, from the ruling centre-right Social Democratic Party, recently accused the Socialist Party of failing to effectively address illegal immigration during its eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2024. This claim underscores a pivotal debate regarding the management of irregular migration within Portugal and how the country’s performance in returning undocumented migrants compares to other EU nations.
To evaluate these claims about immigration policy efficacy, an analysis of Eurostat statistics is essential. These official records detail the number of third-country nationals who have been returned to their countries following orders to leave each EU member state. The findings consistently reveal that Portugal has among the lowest rates of returning undocumented migrants. In the most recent data for Q3 2024, Portugal returned 85 individuals, ranking it just above Slovakia, which returned 55, and Slovenia, which returned 80. This contrasts sharply with countries like France, which returned nearly 4,000 migrants, and Germany and Spain, each returning just over 3,000.
This trend of low return rates for Portugal is not an anomaly, as year-on-year data shows the country frequently positioned at the bottom of the return rate rankings. Even as the latest figures for Q1 2025 are pending, historical records indicate that Portugal has consistently struggled in this area. Comparatively, members such as France and Germany not only lead in return rates but also in the number of orders issued for migrants to depart. For instance, in Q3 2024, Portugal issued only 120 orders to leave, far fewer than the 30,800 issued by France and the over 13,000 by both Germany and Spain.
Alongside the low figures for returns, Eurostat data for Q1 2025 reveals a rising trend across the EU in efforts to manage irregular immigration. A total of 123,905 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave various EU states, marking an 18.4% increase from the previous year, while the actual returns increased by 6.4% to 28,475 individuals. This indicates a broader commitment within the EU to address irregular immigration more robustly, contrasting markedly with Portugal’s comparatively lackluster performance in returning migrants.
The implications of these statistics are profound for the political discourse in Portugal. The failing return numbers not only highlight the challenges the Portuguese government faces in managing migration but also potentially undermine the credibility of its immigration policies. It raises questions about the effectiveness of Portugal’s strategy in confronting issues of irregular immigration, especially amidst a backdrop where public concern over migration is intensifying across Europe.
In conclusion, the ongoing debate about irregular migration in Portugal serves as a microcosm of the wider challenges faced by European nations. The contrasting performance between Portugal and other EU member states indicates a need for reevaluation of migration policies. Minister Amaro’s assertions reflect a growing urgency to address these challenges, particularly in an environment where immigration remains a hot-button issue. Robust measures, greater compliance, and effective management strategies will be critical for Portugal to enhance its position in the EU concerning irregular migration.
