On Wednesday afternoon, news spread rapidly within the Nepali community in Portugal and across social media claiming that the Portuguese authorities had cancelled the temporary and permanent residence permits of Nepali nationals at Lisbon Airport as they prepared to travel home for the Dashain festival.
The reports quickly unsettled hundreds of Nepalis planning to return to Nepal for the celebrations. While some dismissed the claims as “fake news,” the Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council (NRNA–NCC) Portugal later confirmed the incident had taken place.
According to officials, on Wednesday alone immigration authorities at Lisbon Airport stopped 12 migrants, including several Nepalis, from departing despite holding residence permits. Authorities alleged that these individuals had entered the country illegally and later secured residence permits through irregular processes.
Migrants who originally arrived in Portugal without valid Schengen visas but subsequently obtained residence permits are now subject to investigation, with many documents being annulled.
Deepa Kafle, chairperson of one of the two NRN chapters in Portugal, said one Nepali directly informed her of his case. The individual, who had come to Portugal from the UK in 2022 and later obtained a residence permit, was prevented from boarding his flight to Nepal on Wednesday. Immigration officers declared his permit invalid, raising concerns that thousands of other migrants in similar situations could also be affected.
Until around 18 months ago, migrants could enter Portugal under almost any circumstances, commence documentation, and secure a temporary residence permit provided they paid taxes for up to 12 months. A large number of Nepalis gained residency through this route. However, only a small proportion had entered Portugal legally using visas issued by Portugal or other Schengen states.
Authorities are now strictly checking whether residency was obtained following legal entry rules, creating uncertainty for many Nepalis planning to return home for Dashain. Kafle said efforts were being made to resolve the matter following Wednesday’s developments. As the Nepali Embassy in Lisbon was closed due to a national day of mourning, steps are expected to be taken from Thursday onwards.
Portugal’s immigration framework had previously enabled those entering legally with Schengen visas to live and work in the country and eventually apply for citizenship. For around 12 years, undocumented workers who paid tax for one year were also able to obtain temporary residency permits. That provision was revoked 18 months ago, leaving those who had benefitted from it exposed to legal difficulties.
Unofficial figures suggest that more than 70,000 Nepalis currently reside in Portugal, with a significant portion believed to have entered irregularly, as highlighted by immigration authorities. Wednesday’s developments are expected to have serious repercussions for the community.
“If immigration authorities continue canceling permits citing lack of Schengen visas, Nepalis may not only be barred from leaving for Nepal but also from reentering Portugal from abroad,” Kafle warned. She added that migrants who entered Portugal after 2020 without valid visas could face significant challenges unless a resolution is reached.
