Resettlement of Refugees to Portugal

Currently, IOM Portugal has been developing the activities established under the 2020 - 2022 programme "Assistance to the Government of Portugal in the Resettlement of Refugees", in cooperation with SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service). Portugal committed to receiving and resettling 1709 refugees who have first requested asylum in Egypt, Turkey and Jordan. 

IOM Portugal has been assisting States with resettlement by:

• Supporting selection missions and visa processing;
• Conducting health assessments before departure;
• Organizing Pre-Departure Orientation for refugees;
• Managing the movements of refugees;
• Supporting initial integration (eg: information sessions with local actors)

Pre-Migration Health Activities

In close collaboration with sending missions, IOM Portugal coordinates the organization of Pre-Migration Health Activities to all beneficiaries before their departure to Portugal. The assessment of the health status of resettlement and relocation beneficiaries before departure is necessary to ensure a dignified and safe trip, to prevent public health situations and to guarantee the necessary medical care after arrival in Portugal, which it is fundamental for the integration of these people. In addition to carrying out medical exams, with the onset of the pandemic caused by Covid-19, the IOM started to test all people up to 72 hours before the trip, and only those who tested negative were considered suitable to travel.

 

 

Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO)

Anyone who moves to another country often has inquiries about its culture and societal practices. After being accepted for resettlement, refugees participate in a cultural orientation prior to their arrival in Portugal, to assist them in setting realistic goals and developing the skills and attitudes to succeed in their new community.

IOM develops a 3-day Pre-Departure Orientation in Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, to provide information about Portugal, including reception conditions and available services. We also work with refugees in managing expectations and developing attitudes and skills that facilitate the process of adaptation and autonomy, while promoting their psychosocial well-being.

Through a videocall, IOM Portugal participates directly in the PDO sessions to address refugees’ concerns and questions. IOM Portugal works closely with the PDO trainers in order to provide the most accurate and updated information and with the national stakeholders to identify the key priority messages that are crucial for refugees effective resettlement.

IOM Portugal has also developed an animation video for children below 14 years old who do not officially attend PDO sessions in Egypt and Turkey. This video is in Arabic, with subtitles in English or in Portuguese, and is intended to give an overview to children of their upcoming life in Portugal, by presenting topics related to the travel date, education in Portugal, making new friends, learning Portuguese and the mix of emotions they may feel. Providing specialized resources for children who migrate demonstrates IOM’s commitment to tailor its programming to meet the needs of all migrants, regardless of age.

Information sessions for local actors

Integration is more efficient when both refugees and the community who will receive them understand each other’s expectations, cultural differences and traditions. As part of our work, IOM Portugal organizes information sessions for local actors and receiving communities across the country to provide information about the resettlement process, refugees’ paths prior to arrival in Portugal, their adaptation process and their cultural background. By exploring refugees’ perspectives and societal practices, host communities can increase their understanding and adapt their support to be even more effective. During these sessions, local actors also have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges supporting refugees and to define communication channels and procedures for a collaborative work.