Mosan Hassan, a 42-year-old migrant from Pakistan, arrived in Portugal with hopes of building a stable life. Now, he’s among nearly half a million immigrants caught in a bureaucratic maze as residency applications stall far beyond legal processing deadlines. “We follow the rules, pay taxes, and work hard,” Hassan told reporters. “But the delays and hostility make us feel unwelcome.”
Portugal’s immigration system, once praised for its inclusivity, faces mounting criticism as applications languish for months. The issue has gained urgency under the newly reinstated center-right coalition government, which retook office this week after a year of political instability. While officials pledge reforms, migrants like Hassan remain in legal limbo—unable to access full rights despite contributing to key sectors like agriculture.
Analysts attribute the backlog to understaffed immigration offices and shifting political priorities. “This isn’t just about paperwork,” said Lisbon-based policy expert Ana Ribeiro. “It reflects broader debates about labor needs, integration, and social cohesion in a rapidly changing Europe.”
For now, Hassan waits, torn between hope and desperation. “If I had another option,” he said, “I’d leave tomorrow.”
