Despite the 17 April 2006 reform of the nationality law (see box), nationality policies still have room for improvement. Eligible migrants must pass conditions including a simple language test, which takes into account their individual learning abilities and can be administered by any official Portuguese educational institution. Migrants who have committed a crime punishable by a three year (or more) prison sentence are rejected. Applicants and naturalised citizens are partially insecure in their status under the law. Their application can be refused for a number of reasons, including ‘failure to prove a substantial link to the National Community'. The state can withdraw their nationality regardless of how long they have been citizens, unless they would become stateless. Migrants can be dual nationals in Portugal under best practice policies, as in BE, CA, FR, IE, and the UK.
