Tightening of migration laws: The Portuguese authorities have decided to significantly reduce funding for Ukrainian refugees

Starting in July 2024, the Portuguese authorities decided to significantly reduce funding for Ukrainian refugees compared to the 2022–2023 period.

According to media reports, these actions are driven by the perceived reluctance of displaced persons to adapt to European realities and officially seek employment.

Specifically, under the new rules, from August 2024, certain displaced persons will lose their right to unemployment benefits (150 euros per person). Payments to this category of individuals will now be provided for a period of one and a half years from the moment they obtain refugee status.

Additionally, refugee status will be automatically revoked if the person who received it returns to their home country or travels to other European Union states for work purposes. Moreover, it will not be possible to reapply for refugee status after it has been revoked.

The tightening of immigration laws has caused a highly negative reaction among Ukrainian citizens living in Portugal. Popular Telegram channels among refugees are publishing calls for protests to be held in August 2024.