Amovate would like to thank the Aljezur Câmara, especially Antonio Carvalho for arranging with the British Consulate to visit Aljezur, and talk to British Citizens and interested parties about Brexit. He welcomed the attendees and apologised for the lack of translation during the meeting last week. He also stressed how important the UK and other Nationals were to the local community, and how important is is that we are able to stay living where we are. He also thanked AEZA and Amovate for their important contributions to the local community.
The presentation covered several topics and it was excellent to get a first-hand appraisal of the current Brexit situation, and not someone’s version in the press or on Social Media.
Two important points were stressed by British Consul Simona Demuro:
- The need to be a Resident, or apply to become one before 29th March to protect your rights to stay here.
- The need to exchange your UK Driving Licence (or at least start the process) for a Portuguese one before 29th March.
She urges everyone to visit the websites below (Gov.UK) and go through the pages of information which are being updated regularly. You can also sign up for weekly emails with regular updated information. They also have a Facebook page (and she stressed that this is THE official Facebook Page run by the British Embassy), which is “Brits in Portugal” https://www.facebook.com/BritsInPortugal/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-portugal
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-british-nationals-travelling-and-living-in-europe
The main topics covered were Residency, Health, and Driving Licences.
Residency: As mentioned, to protect your rights to stay in Portugal, you must be a Resident, or at least have started the process (whether it is the 5 Year Residency at the Câmara, or the 10 year Permanent Residency at SEF) before 29th March.
Health: Portuguese Health System is Residency based, so as a resident (prior to 29th March), you are entitled to Healthcare in the Portuguese system. This is the case whether there is a Withdrawal Agreement passed, or whether there is a No Deal.
In the event of a No Deal, UK issued EHIC cards will no longer be valid after 29th March. After this date, Portuguese EHIC cards may be applied for. Similarly, in the event of a withdrawal agreement, the S1 will still be valid. It is unknown what will happen if there is a No Deal scenario, but the British Consulate indicated that the two countries would work towards a bilateral agreement to cover this situation.
Driving Licence: The British Consulate stressed the importance of exchanging your UK Licence at the IMT before 29th March (or at least start the process). There was a discussion about the validity of the “White Piece of Paper” issued by IMT in the interim period before receiving your Portuguese Licence. It was stressed that this piece of paper is only valid in Portugal. There were also discussions about obtaining an International Driving Permit to cover this period, and it can be obtained with this “White Piece of Paper”. However, it is not clear, and the British Consulate did not know, whether these two documents are valid to drive / hire a car in the UK. The British Consulate advised that they would try and find out what the situation is or will be after Brexit.
They also stated that they are well aware of the chaotic situation at IMT in Faro, and the delays in obtaining Portuguese Licences, and are having discussions with IMT in the next few days.
Attendees were given handouts 2 of which are copied below.
UK Nationals Keep their Right of Residence 1