Soaring Demand: Israelis Queue for Portuguese Citizenship Amidst Political Instability
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Portuguese embassy in Tel Aviv has been overwhelmed with Israeli citizens applying for Portuguese citizenship during late November and early December 2025, signaling a growing desire to secure alternative residency options amidst regional instability.
Thousands of Israelis have been lining up for hours outside the embassy, many resorting to in-person appointments after failing to register online. A 2015 law allows descendants of Sephardi Jews to obtain Portuguese citizenship, which has become an increasingly popular escape route for Israelis, especially after the recent security escalations.
A Portuguese passport not only grants freedom of movement within the European Union but also opens doors to educational, employment, and lifestyle opportunities in a more stable environment. Since 2015, approximately 112,297 Israelis have applied for Portuguese citizenship, with over 20,000 applications submitted in both 2021 and 2022 alone. Despite recent tightening of regulations by the Portuguese government, the demand continues to rise.
Palestinian affairs expert Ahed Farouane views the increase in applications for dual citizenship as a sign of reverse migration and a deep crisis within the Israeli regime. While the desire for a second passport existed before October 7, it has since experienced a significant surge, according to Farouane. He notes that nearly everyone in “Israel” is looking for a way out in anticipation of an uncertain future. The government, concerned about population exodus and reduced control, is reportedly in talks with some countries to limit immigration facilities.
Farouane also describes the surge in migration and attempts to obtain alternative citizenship as a reflection of the structural fragility of the Zionist regime’s institutions. He recalls the widespread protests before October 7, demanding judicial reforms, as an early sign of the deep divisions and social tensions within the regime.
The long lines of Israelis seeking refuge through foreign citizenship offer a telling snapshot of the current political reality in the region. While Israelis queue for security outside the occupied territories, Palestinians in Gaza and other besieged areas continue to face daily threats to their lives, homes, and futures. The queues outside the Portuguese embassy speak of fear and flight, while the suffering and resistance of the Palestinian people tell another story of steadfastness and resilience.
