Portugal Extends Support for Ukrainian Refugees: Temporary Protection Continues

The Portuguese government approved a new extended validation of the temporary protection for the Ukrainian refugees that reside in Portugal, until the end of this year, 2024. This constitutes the third extension secured by the Portuguese government.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution, which is the primary reason why Portugal, along with the EU, is extending the validity of the temporary protections for the Ukrainian people. This is the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

This latest extension, which is set to last for a period of 10 months, marks a significant increase in duration compared to the previous extensions. The Portuguese government had previously granted two extensions, each with a validity of 6 months. These were issued in the months of March and September, respectively.

This extension of temporary protection is granted automatically, which is a significant aspect of Portugal’s approach to handling this crisis. It means that Ukrainian refugees who reside in Portugal do not need to navigate additional bureaucratic procedures or submit further requests to benefit from this extension.

The data from January of the current year reveals that the number of temporary residence permits issued to Ukrainian refugees in Portugal stands at 59,532. This information was disclosed by AIMA.

It’s also crucial to highlight that, from the previously mentioned figure, 1,566 individuals have already cancelled their temporary residency permits. Consequently, the actual number of Ukrainian refugees residing in Portugal is lower than the official total number of issued temporary residence permits.

In conclusion, the Portuguese government’s commitment to the Ukrainian refugees is a significant stride in managing this humanitarian crisis. It is a powerful statement to the world, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, compassion, and decisive action in the face of adversity. It is a call to all nations to recognise the global impact of this crisis and to contribute constructively to its resolution.