Latest news with #Lusophone
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
A haven for many Americans and asylum seekers, Portugal now tightens citizenship rules for foreigners
Longer Residency Rule Separate Path for Lusophone Citizens Culture and Security Tests Live Events Family Reunion Limits Possible Loss of Citizenship Political Context Implementation Timeline FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Portugal has changed its citizenship law. The government says the country needs stronger links with new citizens. The cabinet approved a decree that raises the residency threshold for naturalisation. The plan also adjusts family reunion rules and adds tests of culture and democratic applicants had to live in Portugal for five years. They will now have to live in Portugal for a decade. The change applies to people from all countries except those that share Portuguese as an official language. The cabinet says extra years will show a clear link with the national community. Officials note that naturalisation numbers fell in 2023 even before the from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking states will face a seven-year wait. The cabinet kept a shorter path to respect historical ties. Lawmakers say the rule keeps faith with language bonds while still asking for a significant period inside the country. Lusophone communities form the largest foreign group, so the rule will affect many future applicants must pass language checks as before. They must also show knowledge of Portuguese history and culture. The decree blocks applicants who served any prison sentence. It also asks a signed pledge to respect democratic rules. The interior ministry will run checks with police and security agencies. Authorities can cancel naturalisation later if a naturalised citizen commits a serious law lets a resident bring partners and adult relatives soon after arrival. The decree sets a two-year wait for sponsors. Relatives must be minors. The measure aims to control growth of extended families. Officials say the policy follows similar steps in other European Union countries. Migrant groups plan to study the final text before decree allows courts to withdraw citizenship from people naturalised under the new law if they later receive heavy criminal sentences. The measure will not apply to citizens by birth. The government argues that withdrawal protects public trust in the passport. Civil rights lawyers say courts must act with caution to avoid anti-immigration Chega party won many seats in the March election. Chega asked for longer residency rules during the campaign. The minority centre-right cabinet needs support in parliament, and Chega has signalled approval of the decree. The government says the proposal appears in its programme, not only in opposition demands. Debate will continue when the draft reaches lawmakers for has 10.5 million residents. At least 1.5 million are foreign residents. Brazilians number more than 450,000. The migration agency reports 141,300 naturalisations in 2023, a fall from 2022. More than 400,000 naturalisation files wait for review. Officials predict the new rules will slow future demand and let staff clear the cabinet plans to publish the decree in the official journal in July. The rules will take effect thirty days later. Applicants who already completed five years of residence must file before the change begins if they want the shorter wait. Lawyers expect a surge in last-minute filings. The migration agency is preparing extra staff and online slots. Officials say public information campaigns will run in several languages to explain deadlines and new seek stronger social ties. They argue longer residence shows commitment, supports language learning, reduces influx, and meets voter concern over rapid migration growth and integration pressure, also strengthening Courts may cancel the nationality of naturalised people convicted of serious crimes. Measure protects passport trust, applies after new law, and does not affect those who gained nationality by birth.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
A haven for many Americans and asylum seekers, Portugal now tightens citizenship rules for foreigners
Portugal has changed its citizenship law. The government says the country needs stronger links with new citizens. The cabinet approved a decree that raises the residency threshold for naturalisation. The plan also adjusts family reunion rules and adds tests of culture and democratic commitment. Longer Residency Rule Most applicants had to live in Portugal for five years. They will now have to live in Portugal for a decade. The change applies to people from all countries except those that share Portuguese as an official language. The cabinet says extra years will show a clear link with the national community. Officials note that naturalisation numbers fell in 2023 even before the change. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Separate Path for Lusophone Citizens People from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking states will face a seven-year wait. The cabinet kept a shorter path to respect historical ties. Lawmakers say the rule keeps faith with language bonds while still asking for a significant period inside the country. Lusophone communities form the largest foreign group, so the rule will affect many future applicants. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 23.7% Returns in last 5 years with Shriram Life's ULIP Shriram Life Insurance Undo Also Read: You won't believe who Zohran Mamdani's parents are? Meet acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani Culture and Security Tests New applicants must pass language checks as before. They must also show knowledge of Portuguese history and culture. The decree blocks applicants who served any prison sentence. It also asks a signed pledge to respect democratic rules. The interior ministry will run checks with police and security agencies. Authorities can cancel naturalisation later if a naturalised citizen commits a serious crime. Live Events Family Reunion Limits Current law lets a resident bring partners and adult relatives soon after arrival. The decree sets a two-year wait for sponsors. Relatives must be minors. The measure aims to control growth of extended families. Officials say the policy follows similar steps in other European Union countries. Migrant groups plan to study the final text before reacting. Possible Loss of Citizenship The decree allows courts to withdraw citizenship from people naturalised under the new law if they later receive heavy criminal sentences. The measure will not apply to citizens by birth. The government argues that withdrawal protects public trust in the passport. Civil rights lawyers say courts must act with caution to avoid statelessness. Also Read: You won't believe who Zohran Mamdani's parents are? Meet acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani Political Context The anti-immigration Chega party won many seats in the March election. Chega asked for longer residency rules during the campaign. The minority centre-right cabinet needs support in parliament, and Chega has signalled approval of the decree. The government says the proposal appears in its programme, not only in opposition demands. Debate will continue when the draft reaches lawmakers for confirmation. Portugal has 10.5 million residents. At least 1.5 million are foreign residents. Brazilians number more than 450,000. The migration agency reports 141,300 naturalisations in 2023, a fall from 2022. More than 400,000 naturalisation files wait for review. Officials predict the new rules will slow future demand and let staff clear the queue. Implementation Timeline The cabinet plans to publish the decree in the official journal in July. The rules will take effect thirty days later. Applicants who already completed five years of residence must file before the change begins if they want the shorter wait. Lawyers expect a surge in last-minute filings. The migration agency is preparing extra staff and online slots. Officials say public information campaigns will run in several languages to explain deadlines and new steps. FAQs Why did Portugal raise the residency period to 10 years? Officials seek stronger social ties. They argue longer residence shows commitment, supports language learning, reduces influx, and meets voter concern over rapid migration growth and integration pressure, also strengthening society. Can new citizens lose Portuguese nationality under the decree? Yes. Courts may cancel the nationality of naturalised people convicted of serious crimes. Measure protects passport trust, applies after new law, and does not affect those who gained nationality by birth.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Forest Consider Record-Breaking Move for Wolves Star
Nottingham Forest are daring to dream again. With the possibility of European football looming, the club are reportedly preparing a major summer move to sign Wolves' standout forward Matheus Cunha, according to TBR Football's Graeme Bailey. For a side once battling relegation, this is nothing short of a statement of intent. 'Matheus Cunha has been brilliant for Wolves this term in what has been an underwhelming campaign for the Midlands club.' That line sums it up. Wolves may be trudging through the season, but Cunha has been electric. His movement, technique, and ability to conjure moments from little have not gone unnoticed. Interest in Cunha is hot. Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham have all been linked. Even the Saudi Pro League is circling. Yet, according to TBR Football, 'Cunha does have interest from the Saudi Pro League – but we are told his preference is to remain in Europe at this point.' Forest's interest isn't speculative. 'Cunha's release clause has been reported as £63m by some.' That figure would smash their club-record transfer, eclipsing the £35m spent on Elliot Anderson just last summer. Yet Forest aren't flinching. They were proactive back in January, initiating contact with Cunha's representatives after he signed a new contract with Wolves. While some clubs might have backed off, Forest are maintaining open communication and remain undeterred. 'The lines of communication with Forest and Cunha's camp have remained open and they are not being discouraged from pursuing the interest.' Crucially, Forest might offer something their Premier League rivals can't—immediate comfort and continuity. Cunha already knows Danilo from their time with Brazil in 2022. Forest also boast a 'decent cohort of Brazilian players already,' and manager Nuno Espirito Santo's presence provides a familiar Lusophone voice on the touchline. 'Forest are another Midlands club, so Cunha may not even have to relocate.' A move that ambitious yet logistically seamless is rare in football. Add in potential Champions League football, and suddenly Forest's pitch sounds less romantic and more realistic. For Forest, signing Cunha isn't about flashy headlines. It's about elevating the club to a new tier. It's about belief—that Nottingham Forest, with the right vision, can rival the elite. As TBR Football rightly notes, 'Nottingham Forest may not be the biggest club currently in for Matheus Cunha, but this is a move that could make a lot of sense on a personal level.' In Cunha, Forest see a player not just capable of scoring goals, but one who could symbolise a new era at the City Ground. And in Forest, Cunha might just find the perfect platform to light up Europe. If this happens, it's huge. Genuinely, signing Matheus Cunha would be the biggest signal of intent Nottingham Forest have made in decades. £63 million? That's Champions League-level spending, and while we're not quite there yet, the ambition is mouth-watering. Cunha isn't just a flashy forward—he's hard-working, versatile, and Premier League proven. You don't shine in a struggling Wolves team unless you've got something special about you. The fact that Arsenal, Liverpool, United, and Spurs are sniffing around tells you everything. What makes this feel realistic is the context. Cunha wouldn't have to move house. He already knows some of the lads—Danilo especially—and with Nuno in charge, the style and language fit would help him hit the ground running. And let's not ignore the Champions League carrot. If we get over the line, we could be a seriously attractive project. Of course, we've heard this kind of buzz before, only for it to fizzle out. But this feels different. The lines are open, no one's shutting the door, and there's real talk of us smashing our transfer record. Whether or not it happens, just being in the conversation is progress. But if we do pull it off? Wow. Bring on next season.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
APO Group Strengthens Market Presence with the Promotion of Senegalese Papa Chimere Diop, to Director of Strategic Growth & Market Development
APO Group ( the leading pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce the promotion of Papa Chimere Diop to Director of Strategic Growth&Market Development at Group level. This appointment, effective from 1 March 2025, highlights APO Group's commitment to strengthening its commercial leadership and driving expansion across Africa. Chimere, who previously served as Senior Sales Director and later Senior Growth Director, has been instrumental in shaping APO Group's business development strategies. His transition into this role reflects the company's dedication to empowering its top talent while reinforcing its leadership in the African communications industry. Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, 'As a key driver of APO Group's commercial success, Chimere has consistently secured high-impact opportunities and built strong client relationships across the continent. His promotion to a Group-level role is a natural progression in our strategy to deepen partnerships, enhance market intelligence, and accelerate sustainable growth in key regions. His leadership will be vital as we continue to expand our footprint across Africa.' In his new role, Chimere will focus on identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening client engagement with senior decision-makers, and driving sustainable revenue growth. He will also lead initiatives to expand APO Group's presence in high-growth industries and regions, deepen relationships with senior executives to unlock new opportunities, and utilise market intelligence to reinforce the company's leadership in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Additionally, he will represent APO Group at major industry events, enhancing the company's thought leadership and brand visibility across the African communications landscape. 'I am honoured to take on this expanded role at APO Group, building on the momentum we have created over the years,' said Chimere. 'Our team is a reflection of Africa itself—rich in cultural and geographic diversity, with deep expertise and an extensive understanding of the continent's media and business landscape. As we continue to be the trusted communications partner for leading organisations across Africa, we also welcome fresh perspectives and creative contributions that can help drive meaningful growth and reinforce our presence in all African markets.' With this strategic appointment, APO Group continues to solidify its leadership in the African communications industry. Clients, partners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage with APO Group to explore new collaboration opportunities. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Yasmina Ndella Bileoma Appointed Regional Director of Public Relations at Wave Mobile Money
Wave Mobile Money ( is pleased to announce the appointment of Yasmina Ndella Bileoma as Regional Director of Public Relations. With over 15 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, Yasmina has established herself as a leader in her field. Her passion for technology and fintech, combined with her deep understanding of African media ecosystems, makes her a strategic asset in strengthening Wave Mobile Money's visibility. Before joining Wave Mobile Money, Yasmina served as Director of Strategic Communication at APO Group, the leading pan-African communications consultancy. She was also the Head of Communications for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a visionary program launched by former U.S. President Barack Obama and supported by USAID, the Mastercard Foundation, and Microsoft. In this role, Yasmina designed and implemented innovative communication strategies across 16 Francophone and Lusophone sub-Saharan African countries. Additionally, she has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as Motorola, Ecobank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Power Africa. In her new role at Wave Mobile Money, Yasmina will focus on strengthening brand awareness in the company's growing markets, deepening relationships with key stakeholders, and addressing the challenges of the fast-evolving fintech industry. Yasmina Ndella Bileoma stated: "Joining Wave Mobile Money is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a technological and social revolution in Africa. This role allows me to combine my passion for communication and technology with my commitment to impactful and sustainable initiatives on the continent. I am particularly honored to join a company that not only redefines financial inclusion but also upholds strong values of diversity by empowering African women in leadership roles." Coura Tine Sène, Regional and Public Affairs Director at Wave Mobile Money, welcomed Yasmina's appointment, stating: "Yasmina perfectly embodies the values of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of Wave Mobile Money. Her expertise in communication, combined with her deep understanding of regional dynamics, will be a key driver in accelerating our mission: making financial services accessible to all and building an inclusive financial future for the continent." As the first unicorn in Francophone Africa, Wave Mobile Money is redefining mobile financial services by providing simple, accessible, and affordable solutions to millions of Africans. Yasmina Bileoma's appointment reflects Wave's commitment to attracting top talent to strengthen its leadership and continue transforming Africa's financial landscape. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wave Mobile Money. Contact Presse: Serigne Falilou CISSE Public Relations&Press Manager Wave Mobile Money - Senegal +221 77 484 98 87 About Wave Mobile Money: Wave Mobile Money is on a mission to make Africa the first cashless continent by providing radically inclusive and highly affordable financial services to millions of users across the continent. We develop cost-effective solutions that enable customers to save, transfer, and borrow money, helping them achieve their dreams. We are proud to always put our customers first. Visit our website to learn more about Wave Mobile Money.
