At Lisbon Airport, the situation is critical, not solely due to the PSP taking on the role of border police,” stated Maria Lúcia Amaral.
The minister noted that the responsibility is also attributed to the management of technological resources necessitated by the new European border control system for non-European Union citizens.
Speaking in parliament, where she presented the Government’s proposal for the State Budget for 2026, the minister was questioned by several deputies regarding the situation at Lisbon Airport, where passengers have faced hours-long queues in recent days.
The issues, mostly at Lisbon Airport, began escalating on October 12, when the new European border control system for non-EU citizens was implemented in Portugal and other Schengen area countries.
This system mandates that entries and exits of third-country travelers are recorded electronically, specifying the date, time, and border post, replacing the traditional passport stamps.
The minister assured that “the Government is doing everything to ensure the chaos, particularly detrimental on the 14th, does not recur,” with the establishment of a task force.
Maria Lúcia Amaral described this task force as an emergency unit set up to manage the crisis, composed of representatives from the Internal Security System, Public Security Police, and airport management.
“We have closely monitored the daily situation alongside the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Infrastructure, and the Ministry of the Presidency,” she stated.
Regarding the new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) of the PSP, launched in August, the minister noted that there is a “six-month timeline for the full establishment of all UNEF territorial structures.”
“At that time, I believe the UNEF will be fully constituted,” she added.
