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IOM Portugal supports UK nationals to register for residency

New programme launched by the International Organisation for Migration with funding from the UK Government to assist British nationals in Portugal.

outreach meeting

British Ambassador Chris Sainty and his team in a meeting with members of the British community in Portugal

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Portugal is helping at risk UK nationals and their family members to complete their residency applications in Portugal. Being legally resident is necessary for UK nationals living in Portugal to secure their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU.

The project is funded by the UK Government as part of the UK National Support Fund (UKNSF), that has made available a total of GBP 3 million for charities and organisations to provide practical support to UK nationals living in the EU. The project is coordinated by IOM UK and is being implemented in Portugal, France, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, and Germany.

Marta Bronzin, IOM Head of Office in Portugal, said:

We are very glad to be part of this project and be able to support UK nationals in Portugal to secure their rights and pursue their life projects in the country safely, reaching out to those most in need.

Working alongside the British Embassy and in partnership with the High Commissioner for Migrations (ACM), IOM will raise awareness among UK nationals living in Portugal, share accessible information on residency requirements, and provide direct practical support in completing applications for those in situations where access to information and application processes is difficult. IOM will also assist UK nationals who face specific challenges, such as people living with disabilities or chronic illness, those facing language and literacy barriers, or barriers in accessing relevant technology.

British Ambassador Chris Sainty welcomed this initiative:

Supporting UK nationals is one of our highest priorities at the British Embassy. We are delighted to support IOM with this project to help vulnerable UK nationals secure their rights so they can continue to live safely here in Portugal.

The project official launch will take place on 7 July at 5 pm, via Webex. If you would like to join, please register here.

For more information on the project, visit the IOM website or contact IOM at UKNationalsPT@iom.int.

Published 25 June 2020