A new project named the UKNSF (UK Nationals Support Fund) has been launched by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and is aimed at providing support to UK nationals seeking to complete their residency applications in Portugal.
UKNSF is supported by the UK Government and it is being implemented in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.
“The project’s main goal is to provide support to the at-risk UK nationals (and their family members) to complete their residency applications in Portugal in order to secure their rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement,” says spokesperson Ana Teresa Fernandes.
Working alongside the British Embassy and in partnership with the High Commission for Migration (ACM), the initiative will seek to “raise awareness among UK Nationals living in Portugal, share accessible information on residency requirements, and provide direct practical support in completing applications for those in situations where access to information and application processes are difficult.”
While information provided online and through other media will be “available to all,” the initiative will provide “targeted assistance to individuals who face specific challenges, such as people living in remote areas, people with disabilities or chronic illness, those facing language and literacy barriers, or barriers in accessing relevant technology.”
“We are trying to reach out to as many UK nationals as possible, since we are getting closer to the end of the year (and the transition period) and this is the time to provide support to those who need it the most,” Fernandes added.
The UKNSF website has already been launched and will be updated with more information as time goes on (https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/uknsf-portugal). There is also a Facebook page with information on some of the activities that are carried out (search for OIMPortugal).
