I am leaving Portugal for one reason only: Projeto de Lei n.º 20/XVII/1, the “Nationality Law“.
Even after being in Portugal for many years, by moving to almost any other EU country and starting over, I am farther ahead on the path to citizenship than if I had continued to wait it out in Portugal under this ridiculous and punitive law. This law makes Portugal the most hostile country in Europe for a Canadian to immigrate to and get dual citizenship, and there is no grandfathering provision for those of us who have already invested much time, effort and money in relocating here in the past 5 years. Portugal is punishing people who have chosen Portugal over other countries, and in doing so it shows that is cannot be trusted by future immigrants.
All immigrants are feeling the same rage an anger. For example, I followed one blogger for a decade since he lived in Russia. As the situation in Russia deteriorated, he moved to Georgia, and then by coincidence moved to Portugal. His videos in Portugal have been upbeat and fun. The moment the Nationality Law was promulgated, he posted this video, and it captures the emotional sentiment of my reaction exactly. “We just want to be treated like human beings”. and “I like living here but I want basic human dignity.”
Do not move to Portugal.