Overview

• Parliament approved the revised foreigners’ law after months of debate, with the ruling PSD securing passage through a deal with the right‑wing Chega party.
• The law introduces a one‑year minimum lawful stay before migrants can apply for family reunification, replacing the previous system with no statutory wait.
• The measure follows an earlier presidential referral and Constitutional Court ruling, and lawmakers adopted the court‑approved wording without changes.
• The bill has been sent to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who can sign it or refer it back to the court, and publication is expected if he signs.
• Chega dropped a demand for five years of social‑security contributions before benefit access, while the package also tightens visas to high‑skilled workers, ends automatic status on entry for many Brazilians, and creates a new police force to combat illegal immigration and carry out deportations.