The EU is seeking visas against Portugal for Brazilians; understand the situation.

Changes occurred in March when Portugal enacted a law that provides "automatic" residency for immigrants from PTSS countries. With these changes, a person can stay in Portugal for up to one year upon request. The permit allows for studying, working, and renting housing in the country.

The list also includes Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.

The European Commission claims that the law is only valid for Portugal, so the PTSS visa cannot be used for travel to other countries in the bloc. The allowed movement for tourists in the European continent is 90 days. Furthermore, the European agency states that the residence permit issued by Portugal violates the Schengen agreement.

The commission has given Portugal a two-month deadline to present its position on this issue. It is still unclear what punishment the EU may impose on the Portuguese government.

What is the Schengen Agreement?

This agreement was made between the countries of the European bloc to ensure free movement among the participants.

The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stated that Portugal's decision to issue visas to PTSS countries is not illegal. According to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), more than 154,000 immigrants have applied for residence permits in Portugal since March. 140,000 have already received the document, most of them being Brazilians, according to the agency.

The Secretary of State for European Affairs, Tiago Antunes, stated that the agreement will continue despite objections.