UNBA submits comments on Portugal's immigration law

Viktor Arkhipov, the representative of the Ukrainian National Bar Association in Portugal, discussed with João Massano, the newly elected president of the Portuguese Bar Association, a number of issues concerning the legal status of Ukrainians in the country.

The official meeting took place on July 10 in Lisbon.

The key topic was the consequences of legislative changes that may affect the legalization of persons under temporary protection. At the initiative of the Portuguese side, a draft new immigration law submitted by the Portuguese government to parliament was discussed. The UNBA representative gave a professional assessment of this document and drew attention to the risks for Ukrainian citizens, as well as the problems that arise when applying for residence visas, in particular through the Portuguese Embassy in Ukraine. This position was supported by representatives of Ukrainian civil society organizations present at the meeting.

In response, J. Massano assured that he would raise the issues raised during a meeting with the Portuguese Cabinet and in consultations with representatives of parliamentary parties. He stressed that the Portuguese advocacy has always been a pillar of democracy, human rights and freedoms, even during the years of authoritarianism, and today guarantees the protection of the interests not only of Portuguese citizens, but also of foreigners, including Ukrainians residing in the country.

Special attention was paid to the development of professional cooperation between self-governing institutions of the advocacy of Ukraine and Portugal. At the end of the meeting, the UNBA representative was invited to sign the book of honorary guests of the Portuguese Bar Association.

The Ukrainian National Bar Association highly appreciates the openness of the Portuguese Bar Association to dialogue and support for the rights of Ukrainian citizens.

The Portuguese Bar Association is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1296, when the first Royal Decree regulating the practice of law was issued. The Portuguese Bar Association has been operating in its current form since 1926 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.