Why has it become more difficult to immigrate to Portugal?

The repeal of the 'manifestation of interest' regime (articles 88.2 and 89.2) in June 2024 and the provisions of Law no. 62/2026, of 10 September, now require foreign nationals to obtain a residency or job-seeker visa at a consulate before arriving in Portugal to apply for residency. These changes also mandate a pre-approved visa for students and interns, and introduce the 'Return Law' which replaces the voluntary abandonment notice with a mandatory duty to leave and potential three-year entry bans for those in an irregular situation.