"At the end of 2023, there were around 1,300 asylum seekers in Portugal, 3,800 refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and 59,400 holders of temporary protection", stated the organization in the 2024 global trends report.

In recent years, around 75% of new asylum applications were presented within Portuguese territory and 25% at the air border, mainly at Lisbon Airport.

The same source highlighted that in 2018, twenty years after closing its offices, UNHCR re-established its presence in Portugal.

With three employees on the ground, the Regional Office for Europe in Geneva coordinates activities in Portugal.

UNHCR in Portugal focuses on advocacy and supports authorities and non-governmental institutions in providing protection. It also provides training, technical support, and advice on asylum and refugee issues.