The Public Security Police (PSP) announced that officers from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will commence support for the National Unit of Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) at airports starting January 2026. The reinforcement will be fully implemented with 48 officers by March.
This enhancement is part of a plan signed between the PSP and Frontex, including various initiatives beyond human and material resource availability, also encompassing a training component, the Portuguese police stated.
The PSP noted that this reinforcement will last for one year, with the possibility of renewal if necessary.
The PSP detailed that Lisbon airport will receive 26 Frontex officers, 23 of whom will serve as border guards; Porto airport will have 12 officers, eight serving as border guards; and Faro will receive 10 Frontex officers, six of whom will serve as border guards.
Between January and March, Frontex will have 18 officers stationed at Lisbon airport and eight at Porto, according to the police.
In recent months, passengers have experienced long queues at passport control in Portuguese airports, particularly in Lisbon. The situation worsened in October with the implementation of the new European border control system for non-EU citizens, prompting the Government to establish a task force with representatives from various ministries and entities.
The PSP also reported that, within the ongoing plan with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, there are currently four Frontex officers in Portugal working in Lisbon and Porto to provide advice and counsel on voluntary returns, alongside four other police officers supporting the Portuguese police in the technical and operational management of voluntary and forced returns.
In the scope of the same plan and Frontex training, around 100 Portuguese police officers have been certified for air escort tasks.
Following the dissolution of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) two years ago, certain duties of this security service, particularly air border control, were transferred to the PSP. Since August 21, these responsibilities expanded with the creation of UNEF, which is now in charge of operations concerning the removal, readmission, and return of individuals in irregular situations.
Currently, UNEF employs approximately 1,200 police officers working across all airports and overseeing territorial inspections.
