Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Portugal's Immigration Curb Hits Construction Amid Housing Crisis
Portugal has recently made it harder for people from other countries to come and work there.
This is causing problems for the construction industry, which needs many workers to help build new homes.
Many workers from other countries, like Jose Simao from Angola, have been helping to build homes in Portugal.
But now, the government has changed the rules, and it's making it difficult for these workers to stay.
The construction companies say they need more workers to build the homes that people need.
The government wants to control how many people come into the country, but the construction companies say they need these workers to help with the housing crisis.
Some people in Portugal are worried about too many immigrants, but the construction industry says they are essential for the economy.
Portugal's tightened immigration rules are causing a labor shortage in the construction sector, which is crucial for addressing the country's housing crisis.
The number of foreign residents in Portugal more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, reaching 1.6 million, but recent immigration curbs have halved net immigration to about 6,200 per month in 2025.
The construction sector, which makes up nearly 8% of Portugal's economy, is facing a shortage of 80,000 workers, with foreigners accounting for about 30% of its workforce.
Portugal plans to build 150,000 affordable homes by 2030, but the housing shortage is severe, with a shortfall of 300,000 homes nationwide.
The government's fast-track visa scheme for construction workers has granted only 5,000 visas so far, and the tightened regulations are affecting the status of many workers already living and working in Portugal.
- Who
- Jose Simao (Angolan bricklayer), Portuguese government, construction firms, AICCOPN (construction association), JPS (developer), Chega party
- What
- Portugal's tightened immigration rules are affecting the construction sector's labor supply amid a housing crisis
- When
- 2024 (immigration rules tightened), 2025 (current situation), August (Simao's residence permit expires)
- Where
- Portugal, Lisbon
- Why
- Government aims to restrict 'uncontrolled inflows' of migrants and ensure dignified conditions for those already living in Portugal
- Foreign Residents in Portugal
- 1.6 million (14% of population)
- Construction Sector Workforce Shortage
- 80,000 additional workers needed
- Housing Shortfall in Portugal
- 300,000 homes
- Affordable Homes Planned by 2030
- 150,000
- Construction Visas Granted
- 5,000
- Net Immigration in 2025
- 6,200 per month
- Construction Sector's Contribution to Economy
- Nearly 8%
- Foreigners in Construction Workforce
- 30%