Portuguese PM backs migration policy amid EU border concerns
Lisbon, Aug 5
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has defended the country's approach to migration as a model of regulated reception and integration, contrasting it with what he described as the "lack of regulation of migration flows" seen elsewhere.
According to Lusa News Agency, Montenegro said Portugal was working to ensure that migrants arriving in the country could live with dignity through access to employment, housing, healthcare, education and mobility.
He argued that countries with pull-effect migration policies often attracted migrants without providing sufficient conditions for their reception and integration, Xinhua News Agency reported.
He made the remarks following an emergency video meeting of European Union (EU) interior ministers on the migrant influx into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. EU ministers agreed on Tuesday that border reinforcement and stronger migrant return mechanisms are necessary.
Spain's interior ministry said about 72,000 people had entered Ceuta irregularly within 24 hours last week, with around 70,000 having since returned to Morocco.
Earlier on July 31, the Portuguese government had said that it was following the migration crisis in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta "with great concern" and reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous border control as a cornerstone of the Schengen area's integrity.
In a statement published by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office, the government expressed condolences for the lives lost in the crisis and said it has been kept informed by the Spanish government since the beginning of the crisis.
"The Portuguese government reaffirms that the integrity of the Schengen system depends on rigorous border controls and a determined fight against all forms of illegal immigration," the statement read.
The Portuguese authorities said it remained in contact with both the Spanish and Moroccan governments, with Portuguese security forces, including the GNR gendarmerie and the Maritime Police, coordinating with their Spanish counterparts.
It had said Spain had given assurances that, in close coordination with Moroccan authorities, it would reverse the flow of thousands of migrants that has intensified over recent weeks and particularly over the past two days.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Portugal trying to be the "good guy" while Spain struggles with Ceuta. It's like the classic Indian middle-class dilemma — we want to be welcoming but also need to protect our borders. The truth is, migration that's not managed properly creates problems for both migrants and locals. Portugal's integration model sounds nice, but can it really work for thousands of people? Need to see the actual execution details.
As someone who lives in a border state in India, I get the contradiction. On one hand, these EU nations say they're welcoming migrants, but on the other, they're fortifying borders. That's like saying "we welcome tourists but don't want them to come" 😅. The real issue is economic imbalance — people risk everything because they have no opportunities at home. Portugal can't fix that alone. Global inequality is the root problem.
I appreciate Portugal's commitment to human dignity in migration. Many countries, including ours, could learn from this. But let's not ignore that the Schengen integrity is crucial too. It's like our own Northeast region — if people can flow freely without checks, it creates local tensions. The PM's message is balanced — he's not saying "open doors to all" but rather "manage it better." That's the practical middle ground.
The Ceuta situation is scary — 72,000 in one day! Imagine if that happened at Attari-Wagah border. Portugal is right to push for regulated migration, but words need action. These EU summits always end with "border reinforcement" promises that never fully materialize. The African economies need real investment, not just border patrols. Otherwise, this will keep happening. We in India have been saying this about Europe's approach for years.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.