Mr Gonçalves finished on Monday a three-day visit to the UK, where he met with members of the community in various towns and cities in English.

Speaking to Lusa, he said he found people were concerned about the future of the UK after it left the European Union (EU) that was made more complicated because of all the red tape that was needed to ensure permanent residence.

"Portuguese documents are needed for these demands and the consulate continues to have a chronic problem of customer care and now it seems even more complicated as I have heard complaints of people who cannot even schedule a meeting there", he said.

The MP said the slots run out quickly and the waiting time can go on for various months.