Portugal without migration pressure, but 2nd in returns in the EU

Portugal ranks second in the EU for return alerts relative to its population and economy, despite not facing migration pressure, according to a European Commission report. The report highlights that between July 2025 and June 2026, Portugal issued return orders primarily to citizens from Brazil, India, and Angola. While the EU issued 463,000 return orders, the execution rate increased to 31%, though still deemed low. Over 60% of returns were voluntary. The report also notes Portugal's increased capacity for housing international protection seekers, with over half of the accommodated population being temporary protection beneficiaries, mainly due to the Ukraine war. However, Portugal has not fully operationalized its independent monitoring mechanism for fundamental rights in asylum procedures, a situation shared with seven other member states.