Municipality/Region

São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

Summary

The municipality of São Brás de Alportel (Portugal) has established a Foreign Residents’ Ombudsman—a helpdesk to provide information to the municipality’s foreign residents and help resolve issues they may have in a more effective and accessible way. It complements the work of the local centre to support migrants’ integration (CLAIM).

Areas of integration covered by practice

Integration of migrants in political and civic local life

Background and purpose

In a district where more than 10% of residents come from abroad, the municipality needs to respond better to the needs of newcomers in terms of support, cooperation and community development.

To this end, the municipal council decided to set up a service that bridges the gap between foreign residents and local authorities. This new service complements existing services such as CLAIM, which has connected São Brás with a network of centres throughout the country for a long time, in partnership with the High Commission for Migration (ACM).

Timeframe

The helpdesk for foreign residents was introduced on 18 March 2014 and continues to provide face-to-face, multilingual services on a weekly basis.

How does it work?

The Foreign Residents’ Ombudsman is a volunteer who provides weekly services that aim to increase the integration of the foreign community, facilitate relations with local authorities and encourage foreign residents to take an active part in resolving their problems and difficulties. The service is currently offered in English and German. The help desk volunteer assists foreign residents with understanding and resolving various administrative processes.

The aims of this project are to:

• Encourage greater integration of immigrant communities
• Facilitate relations between these communities and the various entities and bodies in the district
• Simplify bureaucratic procedures and streamline licensing procedures for town planning in order to encourage investment in the district and foster dynamism in the local economy
• Guarantee foreign residents’ right to access information in their native language about the status and progress of procedures that are relevant to them
• Support and promote activities carried out by the foreign population that encourage inclusivity and are beneficial for the district

Results and evaluation

The service improves communication and brings the municipality closer to the foreign community, enabling the latter to access information and services under conditions that are similar to those experienced by the wider community.

Funding

This is a project that relies on active citizenship, solidarity and volunteering. It is a strategic priority of the São Brás de Alportel municipal council with respect to the reception and integration of immigrants.

Contact

Municipality of São Brás de Alportel

São Brás de Alportel Community Support Centre

Phone: 289 840 020

Email: cac@cm-sbras.pt 

Further information

Website of the practice