Portuguese immigrant return requests rise by 40 percent

The International Organization for Migration (OIM) reported a sharp increase in immigrants seeking help to return to their home countries from Portugal.

Since 2020, more than 2,000 people have applied for support through the ARVoRe program. The number of monthly registrations rose from an average of 55 in 2025 to 79 in 2026. The Brazilian community, which has nearly 500,000 residents in Portugal, makes up the majority of these requests.

Vasco Malta, the OIM mission chief in Portugal, stated that social media and word of mouth within the community drive these applications. While over 2,000 people registered for the program, only 325 have actually returned. This gap exists because some people find employment or family support in Portugal, while others travel independently. Immigrants seek to leave Portugal due to difficulties accessing the labor market, precarious working conditions, and obstacles to legalizing their status.

These issues often combine with high costs of living and challenges in accessing housing, healthcare, and education. The ARVoRe program provides administrative, logistical, and financial aid to those in vulnerable situations. It covers travel costs, passport acquisition, and provides up to 2,000 euros for reintegration projects in the home country.