Around 30 immigrants were removed from an illegal lodging in Arroios, Lisbon, where they lived in "very inhumane conditions", including cockroaches and rats, as reported by the local parish council president, Madalena Natividade. The situation was brought to light after neighbors complained about "nauseating smells and strange movements" in and out of a deactivated restaurant serving as the lodging.
The intervention took place on Wednesday morning, with the immigrants being identified, though their legal status in the country remains unclear. The relocation process is now being handled by the Lisbon City Council and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, with support from the Municipal Police. The immigrants, who "barely spoke English", were paying between 180 to 200 euros per month to stay in the unsanitary conditions.
Madalena Natividade emphasized the need to "combat this growing illegal immigration" and ensure public health and safety. She also highlighted the responsibility of property owners who profit from such illegal lodgings. The parish has received numerous complaints about overcrowded and uninhabitable apartments and commercial spaces, with another case identified in a dentist's office.
The local authority is committed to regular inspections to address these issues, focusing on overcrowding, unsafe gas cylinders, and unsanitary conditions that pose public health risks.
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