Immigrants in an irregular situation will no longer have free access to the National Health Service (SNS). The proposal from the parties that support the Government was made possible with the votes in favor of Chega. The entire left and the Liberal Initiative voted against.
Parliament approved a series of new rules for access to the National Health Service (SNS) that apply to foreign citizens. The Democratic Alliance (AD) and Chega joined together to prevent illegal migrants from accessing public hospitals for free.
They can only do this in emergency situationotherwise they must present a proof of health care coverage and all data to be identified and contacted by the State.
In addition to Chega’s support for the proposal of the parties that support the Government, Democratic Alliance (AD) also gave a hand to André Ventura in two proposals: one determines that the migrants without legal status have to pay to receive care and another determines that the non-resident foreigners must pay the user fees or the full price of the medical services they may benefit from.
All of left and the Liberal Initiative (IL) voted against the PSD, Chega and CDS proposals. Throughout the debate, socialists asked that perceptions not override reality. For those liberals the problem is serious and needs a response and the left is asking for clarity in the debate.
The debate ended with another tense moment. All deputies stood up to applaud four young Afghan women who are studying in Portugal, but heard cries of hypocrisy directed at Chega’s bench.
