At a press conference following today’s Cabinet meeting, António Leitão Amaro addressed the situation regarding foreign students who fled Ukraine as the war began and sought refuge in Portugal. He stated that the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) is reviewing the 65,000 temporary protections granted at that time, which include those for foreign students.
Leitão Amaro detailed that in 2022, at the outbreak of the Ukraine war, 65,000 temporary protections were issued, 60,000 to Ukrainians and 5,000 to citizens of other nationalities present in Ukraine for various activities. These individuals were allowed entry to Portugal through the Schengen information system checks.
He noted that in September, the European Commission requested countries to examine the criteria for issuing temporary protections.
“AIMA is performing the same checks as other European authorities, scrutinizing the issuance of these 65,000 temporary protection documents,” he said, emphasizing that this process involves various cases, particularly concerning foreign students in Portugal.
The minister mentioned that AIMA has encountered individuals who fully comply with documentation requirements upon verification, thus maintaining their temporary protection status. However, some cases have been found where individuals may transition to different residency statuses, such as study visas.
Leitão Amaro stressed that students can acquire study visas if they are in Portugal intending to continue their education.
He further noted that AIMA is identifying cases where individuals cannot prove eligibility for the temporary protection regime.
“When verification reveals non-compliance or misuse of a status, there must be legal consequences,” he remarked.
In a subsequent statement, AIMA indicated that in reviewing all temporary protection grants, cases of improper issuance have been discovered. Consequently, the temporary protection status is revoked, and the foreign nationals are notified to leave the country.
Regarding university students, AIMA noted that improperly granted protections are being revoked for foreign nationals studying at higher education institutions in Portugal. However, they are eligible for a residence permit without needing a prior visa.
“These cases are being reviewed individually to grant residence permits for higher education students, following the European Council’s recommendation,” AIMA specified, ensuring that the students are not left unprotected and can continue their studies.
AIMA stated it would contact these students to discuss the legal pathways available to complete their university studies.
Last week, the Minister of the Presidency revealed in parliament that the majority of these individuals are Nigerian citizens.
