According to Faro Tribunal, the migrants “will remain in the custody of the SEF, while awaiting deportation procedures to be initiated”.

The hearing took place by videoconference, after two of the migrants tested positive during Covid-19 screening tests.

The national director of SEF, Cristina Gatões, said that the migrants who tested positive are separated from the rest of the group, “complying with the determinations of the health authority”.

The migrants have been staying at the Logistics Support Base (BAL) in Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé, since they arrived
SEF also said that the 28 migrants - 24 male adults, three female, one of them pregnant, and a minor - have been guaranteed all their basic needs for food and medical assistance.