Following the disclosure of the Golden Visa scandal in Portugal on November 13, 2014, the Portuguese government launched a nationwide anti-corruption investigation into the Golden Visa program, causing the scandal to continue to evolve and leaving many Portuguese immigrant investors anxious. In fact, as long as investors choose a legitimate and legal immigration agency for their immigration processing, they need not worry, as this incident will not affect clients who choose to go through a legitimate immigration agency.
Recently, according to the latest investigation results, the former head of the Security Information Department has confessed during the investigation that the director of the immigration bureau illegally charged applicants a 10% service fee during the processing of Golden Visa applications, facilitating applicants to obtain their Golden Visas more quickly. After accepting bribes, the immigration bureau director turned a blind eye to some illegal immigration intermediaries and lawyers who deceived applicants into obtaining Golden Visas by inflating property prices and forging purchase contracts. Of course, the related illegal immigration intermediaries will also face investigation and be shut down.
Illegal immigration intermediaries exploit applicants' desire for cheap options, attracting clients with low prices and employing various deceptive tactics. Some tell clients that they do not need to invest more than 500,000 euros and can successfully apply for a Golden Residence Permit by purchasing a property worth only 300,000 euros; others inform clients that they only need to pay a small down payment, and they can apply for bank loans for the remaining amount; even more unscrupulous intermediaries sell low-priced properties that are already mortgaged and cannot obtain title deeds to clients, then help clients inflate the property contract price to deceive them into obtaining Golden Visas. In the face of these illegal intermediaries' temptations, WorldWay Immigration experts advise immigrant investors not to be overly tempted by low prices, and the most important thing is to assess the qualifications and legality of the immigration agency.
Industry experts believe that this Golden Visa scandal in Portugal is not a bad thing for investors and immigration agencies; rather, it is a good thing. It will help to eliminate illegal immigration agencies in the industry, preventing investors from suffering harm and promoting the healthy development of the immigration industry. Insiders from the Portuguese immigration bureau have clearly stated that while severely punishing local illegal intermediaries, they will also initiate a review process for the already issued Golden Residence Permit applications to expedite subsequent approval times; for those investors who obtained Golden Visas through illegal means, they will be decisively revoked and permanently deprived of the right to reapply. These applicants will also leave a negative credit record within the Schengen system, affecting their future applications for visas to other European countries, all of which are the bitter fruits borne from the evil illegal immigration intermediaries.
Immigration aims to improve quality of life and benefit future generations. WorldWay reminds investors not to be tempted by short-term gains, as this could lead to irreparable regrets. Investment immigration must be carefully considered, and choosing a legal immigration agency is the right path. As a leader in the Portuguese Golden Residence Program, WorldWay has successfully assisted hundreds of Chinese investors in completing their investments in Portugal and obtaining immigration status. It is currently the only immigration agency with a legally qualified customer service center in Portugal. To safeguard your investment immigration, choose WorldWay for peace of mind. For more details on Portuguese immigration, please inquire: 400-138-2929
