Portugal has granted temporary protection to more than 59,000 people who have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) said on Monday.
A new SEF update reports that 59,078 temporary protections have been granted to Ukrainian citizens and foreigners residing in Ukraine – 34,448 women and 24,630 men.
According to the SEF, quoted in a note published this Monday, Lisbon continues to be the municipality with the most temporary protections granted with 12,570, followed by Cascais with 3,798, Porto with 3,042, Sintra with 1,997 and Albufeira with 1 457. .
With regard to minors, the authority that decides on the entry and stay of foreigners in Portugal adds that out of a total of 59,078 cases of temporary protection, 14,190 cases have been taken into account.
The SEF also indicates that it reported to the Ministry of State (MP) the situation of 737 minors who entered Portuguese territory unaccompanied or accompanied by people who were not their parents or legal representatives, but “without current or imminent danger”.
In these cases – in most cases the child arrived in Portugal with a family member – the prosecutor’s office is notified of the appointment of a legal representative and possible assistance in the child protection process.
The SEF also informed the Commission for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ) about the situation of 15 minors who arrived in Portugal unaccompanied, with someone other than their parents or legal guardians, “but at present either imminent danger to life or a serious violation health.” the physical or psychological integrity of the child or adolescent.”
In the latest balance sheet for February 20, this security service indicated that 58,043 certificates of residence permits were issued under the temporary protection regime, a document that contains the numbers of users of the National Health Service (NHS), social security and tax. identification and which refugees need to start working and access support.
A request for temporary protection in Portugal can be made through the “online” platform created by SEF (https://sefforukraine.sef.pt), available in three languages, without the need for adults to resort to counters for this protection. service.
However, in the case of minors, it is necessary to contact the Office of Foreigners and Borders to confirm their identity and affiliation.
Temporary protection, automatically granted in Portugal to Ukrainian refugees, is valid for one year and can be extended twice for a period of six months.
The Russian military offensive into Ukraine, launched on February 24 last year, plunged Europe into the most serious security crisis since World War II (1939-1945).
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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