He also pointed out a backlog of 440,000 applications pending processing, which contributes to the revised immigration figures.

In criticizing the previous socialist government under António Costa, Amaro labeled their immigration policies as 'irresponsible' since 2017, suggesting that current PS Secretary-General Pedro Nuno Santos has continued this trend.

According to a report from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), the foreign resident population increased by 33.6% in 2023, totaling 1,044,606 individuals with residency permits.

Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, announced a significant increase in immigration entries into Portugal, with updated figures expected to surpass previous estimates.

These updated figures will inform discussions about the capacity of public services to respond to the growing immigrant population and the overall economic impact.

Amaro emphasized the need for a debate regarding public services' capacity to handle the influx of immigrants.

Pedro Nuno Santos has acknowledged shortcomings in immigration management during a recent interview, indicating a shift in his stance on the issue.

Santos also emphasized the importance of respecting Portuguese culture and lifestyle among immigrants, a statement that has sparked some internal disagreement within his party.

The government is working to simplify the process of returning foreigners, aiming to transfer responsibility for deportations to police authorities.

In related news, Amaro supported the resignation of Secretary of State Hêrnani Dias, who stepped down amid reports of potential conflicts of interest involving new land laws.

Current data indicates that the number of legal foreign residents in Portugal has more than doubled over the past six years, rising from 480,300 in 2017 to over one million by the end of 2023.

Amaro revealed that updated figures on residence permits requested and issued will be released in the coming weeks, providing a clearer picture of immigration trends.