Portugal and Immigrants During the Pandemic: A Little-Known Decision
Portugal continues to be regarded as one of the best and safest countries to live in, but few people remember what happened during the pandemic.
While several countries restricted foreign nationals’ access to certain public services, Portugal adopted a different approach.
The Portuguese Government determined that individuals with pending immigration procedures would be considered lawfully present in the country for the purpose of accessing essential public services.
In practice, this allowed access to:
- The National Health Service (SNS);
- Social Security;
- Public education;
- Employment contracts;
- Institutional support services.
Regardless of the political opinions that may exist, this measure demonstrated an institutional commitment to protecting human dignity during a period of great uncertainty.
It is decisions such as this that continue to make Portugal a highly sought-after destination for immigrants seeking a solid and secure place to establish their residence. Even with existing bureaucratic challenges, Portugal remains one of the best and safest countries in which to live.
