Portugal received 1,670 protection requests from Ukrainians since Russian invasion

Portugal has received 1,670 requests for temporary protection since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, revealed the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to Lusa on Monday.

The update made by SEF refers to the period between February 24 and 1h00 pm this Monday.

The Portuguese government is granting temporary protection to people coming from Ukraine as a result of the war.

According to a resolution of the Cabinet, applicants for temporary protection are automatically granted a one-year residence permit, which can be extended twice for a period of six months.

These requests can be presented at the national centres for Support to Migrant Integration and at the SEF regional offices.

SEF has 24 service counters throughout the country dedicated exclusively to Ukrainian citizens.

SEF also has a facility at Lisbon Airport to register requests for temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens arriving in Portugal by air.

Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine in the early hours of February 24 which, according to the Kyiv authorities, has already caused more than 2,000 deaths among the civilian population.

The attacks have also caused more than 1.5 million people to flee to neighbouring countries, according to the UN.

The Russian invasion was condemned by the international community in general, which responded by sending arms to Ukraine and strengthening economic sanctions against Moscow.