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Refugees to arrive Portugal on November 7 after months-long wait

Xinhua, October 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

After repeated postponements, Portuguese authorities were informed Thursday refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war are set to arrive in Portugal on November 7.

After nine months of waiting, the EU has authorized the transfer of the first group of refugees to Portugal. The first group includes 27 Syrians, 10 Eritreans and 8 Egyptians.

Of the 45 refugees expected to arrive next month, eight are families, consisting of 30 adults and 15 children. Those with families have been provided with homes in several regions in Portugal, including Lisbon, Sintra, Penela in the district of Coimbra.

The resettlement is part of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) agreement to grant refugees asylum in European member states.

Upon arriving in Lisbon, refugees will be provided a house, money for expenses, transportation, water, electricity and gas.

Of the 45 refugees, eight are schoolchildren and will attend schools in Sao Joao de Brito and Alta de Lisboa.

An estimated 9 million Syrians have fled Syria since the start of a civil war broke out in 2011, most taking refuge in neighbouring countries or within Syria.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates 150,000 Syrians have declared asylum in the European Union. Meanwhile, member states have pledged to grant asylum for another 33,000 Syrians refugees.

Portugal agreed to host 4,574 refugees over the next two years.

Representatives of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) will accompany families en route to Portugal via Rome. Endit