Following the reinforcement of 80 police officers, placed at Lisbon airport to ensure border control, the MAI stated, in a written response to Lusa, that there is “in general, a reduction in queues and waiting times”.

“Permanent monitoring of the situation at Lisbon Airport is being maintained,” added the ministry headed by Maria Lúcia Amaral, adding that the reinforcement of 80 officers serves “to respond to the increased influx during the festive season”, which includes Christmas and New Year.

Regarding the situation at Lisbon airport, which has experienced constraints in recent weeks, the Deputy Secretary of State for Internal Administration also stated today that, at this moment, “all the ‘boxes’ are permanently staffed by PSP (Public Security Police) and Immigration and Borders Unit officers.”

Paulo Simões Ribeiro indicated that the new passenger control system for those arriving from countries outside the Schengen Area and the arrival of people coming to Portugal to spend Christmas are causing “additional constraints.”

Regarding the new system, the Secretary of State explained that it is functioning and that “it has caused constraints in Portugal, but also in other countries within the Schengen Area, because it is a system that is being implemented and people are getting used to it, and there will still be some development to be done.”

Since December 10, the second phase has been underway, involving the collection of biometric data, which consists of obtaining photographs and fingerprints of passengers, further complicating the situation.

In parliament, where she was questioned about the long queues at border control in Portuguese airports, the measures adopted and the expected timelines for their resolution, the minister also said that at this moment there are 236 PSP officers assigned to Humberto Delgado airport, while the need is for 270.