Portugal is the second country in the EU for return alerts, even without being under migratory pressure

Portugal ranks second in the EU for return alerts relative to its population and economy, despite not facing migratory pressure. The European Commission's report highlights that Portugal, along with Malta, Slovakia, Sweden, and Hungary, faces specific situations that need acknowledgment. During the assessment period, Brazil, India, and Angola were among the top nationalities for return orders issued by Portuguese authorities. The EU issued 463,000 return orders, with a 31% execution rate, while over 60% of returns were voluntary. Portugal has increased its capacity for international protection seekers, housing over 68,000 individuals under temporary protection, mainly due to the Ukraine conflict. However, it has not fully operationalized its independent monitoring mechanism for fundamental rights in asylum procedures.