Two female lawyers in Portugal are facing serious charges. The Public Ministry (MP) has accused them of helping illegal immigration and committing computer fraud. These lawyers operate in both Lisbon and Cascais, and they have been reported to have taken advantage of flaws in the immigration system. Putting in fake applications, they are alleged to have helped refugees stay in the country illegally.
Read More About: House Prices In Portugal Overvalued Since 2017 As Compared With Spanish Market
Two Lawyers Accused Of Misusing Portugal Immigration Rules
The accused lawyers allegedly created a scheme to misuse Portugal’s immigration rules. Brazilian citizens can enter Portugal without a visa under these rules. When they have lived in Portugal for 180 days, they may also request to regularize their immigration status. According to reports, the attorneys used this regulation to assist migrants from the Philippines, Morocco, Algeria, India, and Pakistan.
The lawyers allegedly submitted false applications through the SAPA portal which processes immigration requests. They claimed that these migrants were Brazilian citizens even though they were not. This allowed the migrants to avoid visa requirements and stay in Portugal illegally.
How These Lawyers Were Aiding Illegal Immigration
Between October 2007 and October 2018, the lawyers filed at least 44 fake applications according to the court. According to these petitions, the migrants had been in Portugal for more than 180 days which was false. This was done to meet the requirements for regularization.
The lawyers charged migrants a fee starting at 50 euros per application. They are believed to have made about 8800 euros from these illegal activities over time. The fees were small but the total impact of their actions was significant.
By submitting these applications, the lawyers blocked the work of immigration authorities. The now extinct Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) can not issue negative opinions or remove these migrants from Portugal. This made it harder for authorities to enforce immigration laws.
They are now accused of computer fraud and assisting illegal immigration. These charges show how serious their alleged crimes are. They will be punished severely if proven guilty. The case demonstrates how people may take advantage of mechanisms intended to assist those in need.
The Impact On Migrants
This case also shows the struggles faced by migrants. Many people leave their home countries to find better opportunities in Europe. They often turn to individuals who promise help without legal ways to stay even if it involves illegal actions.
The migrants in this case may have seen the lawyers as their only hope to stay in Portugal. This put them in a vulnerable position. Instead of receiving proper guidance, they were exploited by people who wanted to profit from their desperation.
Problems In The Portugal Immigration System
The case highlights weaknesses in Portugal’s immigration system. Some rules are meant to make it easier for certain groups like Brazilian citizens to regularize their status. This is because of the historical and cultural ties between Brazil and Portugal. People who are familiar with how the system works can break these rules.
Authorities need to review these rules to prevent similar cases in the future. Stronger oversight and better verification of applications will help stop fraudulent schemes. Educating migrants about legal pathways and the risks of illegal actions is also important.
This case shows how important it is to have visa processes that are fair and safe. The government must strike a balance between protecting the system against misuse and meeting the needs of immigrants.
Although lawyers must appear in court, this case demonstrates how difficult it is to manage immigration. It shows that some people are ready to break the law to make money even if it means hurting other people.
Portugal now needs work to close gaps in its immigration system. It may be beneficial to have more help for migrants, better regulation, and clearer laws. It should be a top concern to protect those who are vulnerable against exploitation.
The charges made against the lawyers should serve as a warning. They show the need for stronger measures to ensure fairness and security in immigration processes. Portugal can create a system by addressing these issues, that benefits everyone while preventing illegal activities.
