Portugal's caretaker government has revealed plans to remove some 18,000 unauthorized migrants, a decision that has sparked strong condemnation ahead of the country's scheduled general election on May 18, Firstpost reported.

Minister of the Presidency Antonio Leitao Amaro stated that 4,500 migrants will receive warnings giving them 20 days to leave voluntarily. He declared the current deportation system inadequate and in need of revision.

The announcement comes after the center-right government fell after a no-confidence vote in March, prompting new elections, as stated by the Firstpost.