Minister for the presidency António Leitão Amaro has stepped into the controversy surround foreign students who fled here after Russia invaded Ukraine, and have had their temporary protection status withdrawn.
“AIMA is verifying the situation; if people are here to study and intend to continue their studies, their destination should be a student residence permit and not temporary protection,” Leitão Amaro explains.
Speaking in parliament during the debate on the Government’s proposal for the 2026 State Budget (OE2026), the minister was questioned by LIVRE MP Paulo Muacho about reports that AIMA has withdrawn temporary protection from foreign students who were studying in Ukraine when the country was invaded, and fled here among the thousands of Ukrainian refugees.
“Things are working”, Leitão Amaro insisted, explaining the news refers to Nigerian citizens, and that AIMA is notifying them to “verify requirements”.
“Things are working, AIMA is monitoring higher education institutions to ensure that those with residence permits comply with Portuguese rules,” he added.
Source: LUSA
