Following a European directive, the Portuguese Government extended for another 6 months the temporary protection titles granted to people displaced from Ukraine
The Ukrainian War began in February 2022 and with this conflict, thousands of citizens fled their country, of origin or where they resided, leading the various host countries to create extraordinary measures, foreseen for situations of this nature.
According to data released by the Foreigners and Borders Service – SEF – before the start of the Ukrainian War, 27,200 citizens of Ukrainian nationality lived in Portugal. After the conflict, Portugal was no exception in welcoming displaced citizens from Ukraine under the Protection Statute, which was initially valid for a period of one year. With this measure, it was extended for another six months, with effect from 1 March 2023. In practice, citizens who see their residence permit under this special contingency expired, end up keeping it.
This extension is valid for a period of 6 months and can be renewed for the same period, that is, it is expected that by March 2024 all displaced citizens from Ukraine will be able to live in Portugal.
Official SEF data revealed that as of December 5, 2022, more than 55,000 (55,560) temporary protections had been granted to displaced citizens of Ukraine, of which about a quarter (approximately 14,000) were children.
