Admin Hublisbon project

Trafficking and Exploitation Support

Key links

Key Contacts

National Social Emergency Line
  • Available 24 hours/day
  • Phone: 144
IAC SOS Lost Children
  • Available 24 hours/day
  • Phone: 116 000
APF National Support Line
Center of Reception and Protection / Centro de Acolhimento e Proteção (CAP):
  • Center for Victims of Human Trafficking – Women and children (APF) – Available 24 hours/day – 964 608 288
  • Center for Victims of Human Trafficking – Men and children (APF) – Available 24 hours/day – 915 678 714
  • Center for Victims of Human Trafficking – Men (Saúde em Português) – Available 24 hours/day – 961 674 745
  • CAP Children – Centro de Acolhimento e Proteção a vítimas de TSH Crianças (AKTO – Direitos Humanos e Democracia) - Available 24 hours/day – 925 854 000
SOS Immigrant Support Line and Telephone Interpretation Service
  • Available Monday to Friday
  • 09:00 – 19:00
  • Phone: 808 257 257 / 218 106 191

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons through force, threats, coercion, deception, abuse of vulnerability or other means for the purpose of exploitation. Victims may be exploited in many different ways, including:

  • Forced labour;
  • Sexual exploitation;
  • Domestic servitude;
  • Forced begging;
  • Criminal exploitation;
  • Removal of organs;
  • Other forms of exploitation that violate a person's human rights.

Traffickers often recruit victims by promising:

  • Employment;
  • Better wages;
  • Accommodation;
  • Education;
  • Romantic relationships;
  • Assistance with migration;

Once the victim becomes dependent, traffickers frequently use intimidation, violence, manipulation, debt, threats or confiscation of identity documents to maintain control.

How Can I Identify Human Trafficking?

Restriction of Freedom
  • Cannot leave work or accommodation freely.
  • Is constantly monitored.
  • Is not allowed to speak alone.
Identity Documents Are Withheld
  • Passport.
  • Residence permit.
  • Identification card.
Isolation
  • Family.
  • Friends.
  • Authorities.
  • Medical professionals.
Physical or Psychological Abuse
  • Bruises.
  • Injuries.
  • Fear.
  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Panic.
  • Signs of trauma.
Exploitation at Work
  • Works excessive hours.
  • Receives little or no salary.
  • Cannot leave the job.
  • Has wages withheld.
  • Has no employment contract.
  • Is forced to repay an ever-growing "debt".
False Promises
  • A legitimate job.
  • Good wages.
  • Better living conditions.
Threats
  • Report them to immigration authorities.
  • Deport them.
  • Harm their family.
  • Use violence.
  • Prevent them from seeing their children.
Poor Living Conditions
  • Live where they work.
  • Sleep in overcrowded accommodation.
  • Lack food.
  • Lack healthcare.
  • Lack clean water.
  • Lack privacy.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Human Trafficking?

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be a victim of human trafficking, consider these steps:

  • Contact one of the organisations listed above.
  • Contact Authorities (reach out to local authorities, such as police or a trusted organization, that specializes in helping trafficking victims).
  • Seek medical care if necessary.
  • Speak to a trusted social worker, lawyer or NGO.
  • Do not confront the trafficker yourself if doing so could place anyone in danger.

Why would I need it?

If you are in a situation where you believe your basic human rights are not being respected, your safety is compromised, your identification documents are being withheld against your will, your work is not being compensated fairly (or at all), you can call one of the hotlines or the shelter numbers as it applies to your situation.

Community Tips and Learning

Can go to any police station (PSP, GNR, AIMA or PJ), or, Call CAP numbers listed above (the address of the shelters is confidential).

The Reflection Period

Under Portuguese Immigration Law, victims of human trafficking may benefit from a reflection period of at least 30 days and up to 60 days.

During this period the victim is accommodated in the state reception center and has to decide whether s/he wants to cooperate with the Portuguese authorities. Residence permits are granted on a case by case basis for a period of one year, and are renewable under specific conditions.

  • Victims receive protection and support.
  • They are accommodated in a safe location if necessary.
  • They can recover and consider whether to cooperate with the authorities.
  • They cannot be removed from Portugal solely because of their immigration status during the reflection period.

Residence Permit

Victims of human trafficking may be granted a renewable residence permit valid for one year.

  • where cooperation with the criminal investigation is appropriate; or
  • where the victim's personal circumstances or need for protection justify remaining in Portugal.

Each case is assessed individually by the competent authorities.

Potential Scams to Look Out For

A legitimate employer should never:

  • Keep your passport.
  • Force you to work.
  • Prevent you from leaving.
  • Take your salary.
  • Threaten deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service.

Yes. Victims of human trafficking are entitled to protection and assistance regardless of their immigration status.

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

  • Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
  • Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu
10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended)
Until 19:30
Friday
Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959