#Portugal is a leading European country in welcoming #refugees. By 2020, there were 2,445 refugees settled in 26 different municipalities across the country, most of them coming from #Gambia, #Angola, and #Guinea-Bissau.
Portugal requires medical screening for refugees prior to entry, with priority being given to members of vulnerable groups such as women, survivors of violence and/or torture, unaccompanied minors, and others who require immediate physical and/or legal protection. Persons coming from areas under the Regional Protection Programme are also prioritized.
Refugees whose entry request is accepted are required to participate in cultural orientation organized by the International Organization for Migration (#IOM).
Once a case is accepted, IOM books flights and provides the necessary assistance during transit, while the relevant Portuguese diplomatic missions issue all the needed travel documents/#visas. Refugees accepted by Portugal under the #settlementprogramme will be provided with a renewable 5-year #residencepermit and a #traveldocument (if requested). Both documents are issued free of charge.
Refugee status is automatically extended to family members born upon arrival in Portugal.
The country offers free housing to refugees for up to 18 months, as well as a monthly income of 150€. Access to Portuguese language classes for integration purposes is also granted.
It's worth mentioning that acquiring Portuguese #citizenship is relatively easy, as residing in the country for a minimum of 5 years is sufficient enough, making it uncomplicated for refugees to become Portuguese nationals.Refugee
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