During a hearing in Parliament as part of the detailed examination of the 2027 State Budget proposal, the Secretary of State explained that the Foreigners Law is clear regarding “public safety and public order”, noting that “foreign nationals are taking part in some form of action” during demonstrations calling for improvements in the housing sector.

If the rules established by the Government are not respected, Rui Armindo Freitas said the competent authorities should carry out their duties, stressing that return orders are not at issue.

The direct consequence, Rui Armindo Freitas said, is “the cancellation of residence permits, which may lead to people having to leave national territory within 20 days”. The reason would not be participation in the demonstration itself, but rather behaviour considered disorderly and potentially threatening to public order.

Housing Demonstrations

Since 10 October, demonstrations in support of the right to housing have been taking place across the country, calling for the reversal of the new rental law, an end to demolitions and evictions without alternative accommodation, restrictions on property purchases by real estate investment funds, increased public housing, the recovery of vacant properties for residential purposes and “truly affordable” rent caps.

In the early hours of Sunday, the PSP once again dispersed housing rights encampments at Rossio in Lisbon and Praça D. João I in Porto, removing around 100 tents.

The intervention culminated in police charges and the throwing of objects, leaving more than two dozen demonstrators and police officers injured.


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