Portugal Activates New National Unit for Foreigners and Borders with 1,200 Officers
The Portuguese government has officially activated the new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF), a specialized branch of the Public Security Police (PSP) that will now manage the country's air border controls. The unit became operational this Thursday, deploying an initial contingent of 1,200 police officers to airports across the nation, including the key international hubs of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. This move represents a major step in the government's overhaul of its immigration and border security apparatus following the widely reported dissolution of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in October 2023.
The policy, proposed by the current government and approved in the Assembly of the Republic in July, aims to centralize operational border enforcement under a single police command. UNEF will be led by the national director of the PSP and will absorb several critical responsibilities. In addition to the airport surveillance and fiscalization duties that the PSP had already taken over from the extinct SEF, UNEF is now tasked with executing the removal, readmission, and return of foreign nationals found to be in an irregular situation. These enforcement powers were temporarily assigned to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) but have now been formally transferred to the police unit. The government's stated objective is to create a more cohesive and robust response to border management challenges.
The implementation of UNEF will be a gradual process. A statement from the PSP confirmed that the existing airport security and border control divisions, which were established as an interim measure after SEF's closure, will be progressively integrated into the new national unit. This phased approach is intended to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational continuity at the country's airports. The government's strategic plan includes a significant expansion of the unit, with a medium-term target of approximately 2,000 personnel. This figure includes police officers, specialized technicians, and service providers, and reflects the anticipated increase in workload associated with new European regulations.
This policy initiative is driven by two major upcoming European frameworks. The first is the new Entry/Exit System (EES) of the European Union, which is scheduled to become operational on October 12, 2025. The second is the broader European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will introduce new screening and processing requirements at the EU's external borders starting next year. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Administration noted that the creation of UNEF is essential for Portugal to meet its obligations under these new systems. Furthermore, UNEF will have the authority to initiate administrative offense proceedings related to violations of national immigration law.
The political decision to establish UNEF was passed in parliament with support from the PSD, Chega, IL, and CDS parties. The Socialist Party (PS) abstained, while other left-wing parties voted against the measure. During the legislative process, the Chega party proposed several amendments, including an unsuccessful attempt to change the unit's name. The establishment of the unit has also drawn comment from police unions. Paulo Santos, a representative of the Association of Police Professionals (ASPP), expressed reservations to the Lusa news agency, highlighting concerns that the added responsibilities could exacerbate existing staff shortages and place an additional burden on police officers.
The government's policy aims to create a clear distinction between the police functions of border control and the administrative functions of immigrant integration. While UNEF focuses on security and enforcement at the borders, AIMA will continue to be responsible for processing residency applications, renewals, and other integration-related services for foreign nationals residing in Portugal. This restructuring is intended to address the significant backlogs and inefficiencies that plagued the former SEF system. The long-term effectiveness of this new dual-agency model will be closely monitored by both national and European authorities as it becomes fully operational.
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