Because it is this “robust link” that ensures nationality, “that which defines our people as a political community”, he stressed. In the case of applicants for nationality by origin – those born in Portuguese territory, even if they are children of foreigners – the Government will impose new rules.
In the case of “descendants of foreigners residing in national territory”, the authorities will now “require that parents have legal residence for at least three years”. In addition, the minister said, “nationality is not granted by default but only if the person expresses a positive desire to that effect”.
In cases of naturalisation, legally referred to as “derived nationality”, the Government will increase the current minimum period of five years of “legal residence to qualify for nationality” to seven years for those coming from Portuguese Language Countries and “10 years for the remaining” countries.
The “period begins with the obtaining of a residence permit”, contrary to what was the case until now, when it began with the initial application, he explained.
In these cases, the Government will require “sufficient knowledge of the language, but also of Portuguese culture” and of the “fundamental rights and duties of the Portuguese Republic”, with “assessment tests” being planned. In addition, applicants will be required to sign a “solemn declaration of adherence to the principles of the democratic rule of law”.
Leitão Amaro also stressed that the “standard of criminal record requirements for applicants” will be raised, excluding candidates who have “effective prison sentences” on their criminal record, unlike the current limitations (only more than three years in prison).
Platform with AFP
