Immigration-Related Crime Surges 251% as Portugal Notifies 23,000 to Leave Country

More than 23,000 undocumented immigrants were formally notified to leave Portugal in 2025, according to the Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) released Monday, as immigration-related crime surged by 251% year-over-year.

The report, presented by Interior Minister alongside the national police chiefs, reveals a stark increase in crimes tied to illegal immigration—particularly marriages of convenience and document fraud—even as overall violent crime declined.

The Numbers Behind the Surge

Crimes classified under "other immigration-related offenses" saw the sharpest rise, driven largely by sham marriages and identity document falsification. Sexual assault reports reached their highest level in a decade, though authorities emphasized this reflects improved reporting mechanisms rather than necessarily higher incidence rates.

Overall general crime rose 3.1% in 2025, but serious and violent crime fell—a pattern suggesting enforcement priorities have shifted toward documentation and administrative violations rather than traditional criminal activity.

The 23,000 departure notifications represent a significant enforcement effort, though the report does not specify how many individuals actually left the country or were deported. Historical data suggests compliance with voluntary departure orders hovers below 40%.

AIMA Under Pressure

The immigration enforcement figures emerge as Portugal's immigration agency (AIMA) faces internal turmoil. Cultural mediators at AIMA called a strike on March 30, warning the agency "cannot function" without their linguistic and cultural expertise.

The strike compounds existing backlogs in residence permit processing, which have left tens of thousands of foreign nationals in legal limbo. Many arrived under the now-defunct "manifestations of interest" regime, which allowed entry without pre-approved visas—a policy the current government has criticized as poorly managed.

Context for Foreign Residents

For legal residents and those navigating Portugal's immigration system, the report underscores a tougher enforcement environment. While legitimate applicants with properly filed paperwork face bureaucratic delays rather than legal jeopardy, the data suggests authorities are prioritizing identification and removal of undocumented individuals.

Foreigners who bought property in Portugal last year—representing one in four home sales, with Brazilians leading the charge—are unlikely to be affected, as property ownership often correlates with legal residence status. However, the crackdown may complicate family reunification cases or applications for those with gaps in documentation.

Political Implications

The RASI report lands amid ongoing parliamentary debates over nationality law reform. The government is seeking cross-party support to tighten citizenship requirements, arguing that Portugal's relatively permissive naturalization rules have been exploited.

Opposition parties counter that stricter rules will penalize children born in Portugal to immigrant parents, many of whom contribute to the economy and integrate successfully.

The Chega party seized on the crime statistics to renew calls for constitutional revision, framing immigration enforcement as a security priority. André Ventura announced plans to initiate a constitutional review process in April, though securing the required two-thirds parliamentary majority remains unlikely.

Expat Community Reactions

English-language expat forums in Portugal have noted increased scrutiny at Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) successor offices, with some applicants reporting longer interview times and more detailed questioning about income sources and integration efforts.

Legal experts advise foreign residents to ensure all documentation—tax registration, proof of address, health insurance, and NIF paperwork—is current and complete. While the enforcement surge targets undocumented migration, administrative errors or lapses can trigger unwanted attention.

Broader Migration Trends

Despite the enforcement narrative, Portugal remains a net immigration destination. The country's working-age population continues to benefit from foreign inflows, particularly in construction, hospitality, and healthcare—sectors facing chronic labor shortages.

The challenge for policymakers is balancing enforcement against irregular migration with maintaining pathways for legal entry. The current approach—stricter border controls and retroactive compliance checks—risks deterring skilled workers and investors Portugal actively seeks to attract.

Prime Minister Montenegro emphasized Monday that "security is not a given," framing the RASI findings as evidence of effective policing rather than systemic failure. Whether voters and immigrants alike share that interpretation will shape Portugal's immigration politics through the next electoral cycle.