Vicente Nunes Correspondent in Portugal
Posted on 07/07/2022 20:57 / updated on 07/07/2022 21:01
The measure applies to all countries of the Portuguese Language Community (CPLP) (Credit: Marcello Casal Jr/ Agência Brasil)
LISBON, Portugal — Back in his country after a canceled lunch with President Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Souza brought great news to Brazilians living in Portuguese lands. He enacted the law recognizing the validity of the Brazilian driver’s license (CNH). Until then, in order to legally drive in Portugal, Brazilians had to wait 90 days after receiving their residency permits to apply for their license to be exchanged for a Portuguese one. The measure applies to all countries of the Portuguese Language Community (CPLP).
“It’s quite a bit of news,” says Lúcio Gonçalves, 57, who recently arrived in Portugal, where he will settle. He says that he has already prepared all the documentation to adapt it to the requirements of the Portuguese authorities, but now he is calmer. “I knew my Brazilian CNH would be valid normally for at least 90 days. But after that I had to go through all the procedures to switch wallets, including certain checks,” he says. “I’m glad I don’t have to deal with all the bureaucracy,” he adds.
The right to drive on a home country license applied to European Union and UK citizens residing in Portugal. Now that offer is being expanded to include the countries of the CPLP, of which Brazil is a member, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group that the Brazilian government wants to include the country in. Portugal, whose population is shrinking, has struggled to attract foreigners and boost the economy. Brazilians are the largest group of foreigners in the country around 204,000 are officially recognized.
It is important to note that tourists transiting through Portugal can travel normally on their country’s CNHs for up to 185 days without the need for an official permit. “I’ve always done it that way, but now that I’m officially living in the country, the picture has changed. Fortunately, the new law has made my life easier,” emphasizes Gonçalves.
Visa package
The awaiting adoption of the Law on the Recognition of Driving Licenses of Foreigners has been awaited since June 15, when it was approved by the Council of Ministers. Now eyes are on the project to facilitate the issuance of visas for foreigners wishing to work in Portugal. The vote on the package of measures is scheduled for July 21. The promise is that all suggestions will be evaluated the same day. If passed the ruling Socialist Party (OS) has a majority in the legislature the Portuguese president will have 20 days to sanction everything.
However, experts advise great caution with the facilities that Portugal offers. To think that migration to the country will be easy, with guaranteed employment, is a huge mistake. Salaries in the countryside are very low the lower limit is only 705 euros, which does not pay rent for a onebedroom apartment in Lisbon. It is no coincidence that many foreigners live in the Portuguese capital under inhumane conditions. Street beggars are commonplace, people who came to the European country with dreams of a better life but only found frustration. Most do not have the money to return home.
In addition, inflation is at almost 9% per year, at its highest level in decades. Many Portuguese complain about the high price and without the necessary infrastructure are pushed out of the large urban centers into more remote areas. Experts emphasize that, therefore, they did not fall for the siren song that everything is wonderful in Portugal, how many people are trying to sell through social networks.