More than 1,000 Portuguese people have been stopped at British borders for questioning since the start of the new immigration system in the United Kingdom after Brexit in 2021, according to official figures.
Statistics from the UK Home Office show that 494 Portuguese were intercepted in 2021, and in the first nine months of 2022, the number has already risen to 570.
These numbers are ten times or more higher than the 52 recorded in 2018, 51 in 2019 and 35 in 2020 before the UK entered into force to leave the European Union.
Statistics show an increase in this type of situation overall among European citizens since 2021, although the proportion varies by nationality.
According to the UK Home Office, passengers detained at the border can be temporarily detained for up to 24 hours for questioning and investigation if officials suspect they may be breaking rules, such as seeking work without a visa.
The Portuguese Consul General in London, Luis Leandro da Silva, was not informed of illegal immigration attempts, but acknowledged that many of these situations could be due to a lack of information.
“be a system [de imigração] quite recently, it is normal that there is a certain lack of awareness about this, especially among citizens of European origin who intend to come to the United Kingdom and are adapting to the new post-Brexit reality and the need for visas for those who want to work, live or study here”, he said to Lucy.
The British government has launched a campaign to educate Europeans about the UK’s point-based immigration system, with materials translated into all languages of the 27 European Union (EU) member states, including Portuguese.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned on its website about the new British immigration regime.
After the UK leaves the EU, Europeans wishing to study or work in the country will need a visa, subject to certain requirements.
The conditions include a job offer or a place at a university, a minimum wage of £25,600 (£29,900 at current exchange rates) and English language proficiency.
Visiting friends or family, tourism or work can last up to six months and do not require a prior visa.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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