IOM Portugal and UNHCR Portugal were in Viseu on August 31st of 2022, for an information session at Associação Portuguesa de Pais e Amigos do Cidadão Deficiente Mental de Viseu (APPACDM), within the scope of the project “resettlement of refugees to Portugal”.

This session aimed to inform about the resettlement process and raise awareness about asylum and the reception of refugees. It focused on eligibility and the identification process, countries of first asylum, pre-departure procedures, vulnerabilities, empathic communication and mental health, as well as working with interpreters.

The session was a great opportunity to gather relevant stakeholders in the reception of refugee families in Portugal, to discuss and receive feedback regarding good practices and challenges in the field. Representatives from Cáritas, APPACDM, SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Services), ISS (Social Security Institute), Viseu Municipality Services and Health-related services in the region.

We thank the APPACDM, Cáritas Paroquial de Santa Maria de Viseu, and all the people who participated in this session.