The number of Portuguese stopping at the British border rose dramatically after Brexit
In 2022, there will be more than twice as many interceptions of the Portuguese as in the previous year at the UK border.
Since the inception of the UK’s new post-Brexit immigration regime, in 2021, more than 1,000 Portuguese have been stopped at British borders for questioning, according to official data.
Statistics from the British Home Office show that in 2021, 494 Portuguese were intercepted, and in the first nine months of 2022 the number had already risen to 570.
These numbers are ten times higher or more than the 52 recorded in 2018, 51 in 2019 and 35 in 2020, before the UK’s exit from the European Union took effect.
Statistics show an increase in this type of situation in general with European citizens since 2021, although the percentage varies by nationality.
According to Britain’s Home Office, passengers intercepted at borders may be temporarily detained for up to 24 hours for questioning and inquiries if officials suspect they may be breaching the rules, such as looking for work without a visa.
The Consul General of Portugal in London, Luis Leandro da Silva, was not informed of the irregular migration attempts, but admitted that many of these situations may be linked to a lack of information.
Being a system [de imigração] Still very recent, it is natural that there is a certain lack of knowledge on this subject, especially among citizens of European descent who intend to come to the UK and are adjusting to the new post-Brexit reality and the need for visas for those who wish here to work, stay or study Llosa said.
The British government has implemented a campaign to inform Europeans of the UK’s points-based immigration system, with material translated into all languages of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU), including Portuguese.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned on its website about the new British immigration regime.
After the UK leaves the European Union, Europeans who want to study or work in that country need a visa, depending on meeting certain requirements.
Conditions include an offer of work or a place at a university, a salary of at least £25,600 (£29,900 at current exchange rates) and English language skills.
Friends, family, tourism or business visits can last up to six months and are not subject to a prior visa.
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