Portugal logs 2,674 requests from Ukrainians for temporary protection

  • Lusa
  • 8 March 2022

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

Portugal has since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine received 2,674 requests for temporary protection from people from the latter country, according to an update given to Lusa by the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

The data refer to the period between February 24 and the end of Monday. By 1h00 pm on Monday 1,670 requests had been registered.

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

According to a cabinet resolution, 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 National Support Centres for the Integration of Migrants and at SEF regional offices. The SEF has 24 counters around the country dedicated exclusively to serving Ukrainian citizens.

SEF also has provision at Lisbon airport to register requests for temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens arriving by air.

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

The attacks have also caused more than 1.7 million people to flee to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.

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