British expats caught in post-Brexit red tape

Airlines refused documents that before Brexit had been valid proof of the Britons’ status as residents in various EU countries.

By TPN/Lusa, in News · 04 Jan 2021, 12:00 · 4 Comments

British citizens trying to return to their homes in several European countries this weekend have been barred from boarding flights. Airlines refused documents that before Brexit had been valid proof of the Britons’ status as residents in Spain, Italy and Germany. Their ordeal came amid heightened travel restrictions due to a coronavirus variant that has been blamed for faster contagion in the U.K. and highlights the bureaucratic complexities resulting from Britain’s departure from the 27-nation European Union.

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Comments

This is pure comedy.

By Dave from UK on 04 Jan 2021, 15:09

The Portugese immigration are obviously enjoying keepin British people out. I live in Portugal and am a co director of a company there, i pay tax through the company and also for my self through my own fiscal number. I returned to England to spend Christmas with my family and have been refused entry back into Faro twice in the 5 days since New Year..
Is this some sort of pay back because the Portugese goverment are still blaming the UK for the collapse of the tourism in Portugal in the last 10 months ?
You would think a country who's economy is in bits would be glad of my company and the taxes we pay. Seems not.
My business partner travelled back on Saturday with 6 employee's and all allowed entry to continue with there work . Doesnt make sense does it ?
Only thing we can do is close the company making 8 Portugese redundant and stop putting thousands of pounds a week into there economy. Bit petty really but if they wont let me return to run my company why should i continue to employ Portugese nationals . Tit for tat goes both ways

By Charlie from UK on 05 Jan 2021, 18:51

Did you have your residency paperwork with you Charlie because Portuguese residents are being allowed to board planes if they have that with them? If you did could you please contact me.

By Tig James from Algarve on 06 Jan 2021, 15:07

Sounds like a case of someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth, who can't even string a sentence together properly and expects special treatment. The rules apply to everyone - follow them and you won't get a problem.
As for that observation about the economy, the person clearly lives a very sheltered and privileged life in UK. Living standards and even basic state infrastructure for ordinary people is much better for people in Portugal than the UK.

By Rita from Lisbon on 08 Jan 2021, 10:13