Portugal: New Work Permit Program that Recruits Moroccans for Work

Under a new agreement between Portugal and Morocco, employers in Portugal can hire Moroccan workers on a new work permit type. In order to hire Moroccan workers under the new permit, Portuguese employers must submit information on the job offers, number of workers to be recruited and information on working conditions to the Portuguese Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP). The IEFP will then have Morocco's National Agency for Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) recruit Moroccan nationals who are at least 18 years old who meet the employer’s conditions. Once Moroccan nationals are selected and sign their respective contracts, they must obtain a visa to enter Portugal. Besides the benefit of a work permit, under this agreement, Moroccan nationals can apply for family reunification. Moroccan nationals can change employers in Portugal if their employment contract is terminated and they can enter a new contract after six months with the same employer. At this time, there is no information on how long the new work permit is valid and the related requirements for this permit. Fragomen will report on any developments.