Tel Aviv, DZWatch – Thousands of Israelis have reportedly formed long queues outside the Portuguese embassy in Tel Aviv, following an announcement regarding passport renewals. The embassy’s initiative, dubbed “Back to the Past,” allows individuals to obtain appointments for passport and ID renewals during January and February without prior booking.
This announcement triggered unprecedented queues, with some individuals reporting hours-long waits. One woman from Rishon LeZion stated, “I arrived at 8:00 AM, and now it’s 10:20 AM. The situation is crazy. I considered leaving, but they convinced me to stay. There are about 500 people ahead of me.”
Another Israeli citizen told local media, “I came to renew my Portuguese passport. I love my country, but the Portuguese passport opens many opportunities, especially in Europe, whether for studying or traveling without restrictions.”
This surge in applications comes amid a growing trend of Israelis seeking European passports, particularly Portuguese ones. A Portuguese passport grants its holder freedom of movement within the European Union, as well as educational and professional advantages.
Economic Concerns Fueling Emigration? This development coincides with reports of increasing emigration from Israel. Recent research suggests that approximately 90,000 Israelis have left the country between January 2023 and September 2024. This exodus raises concerns about potential economic repercussions, including significant losses in tax revenue for the state.
The data suggests a notable shift following years of relative stability in migration patterns. The appeal of European citizenship, coupled with perceived economic and political uncertainties within Israel, appear to be contributing factors driving this trend.
