Portugal GNR reports rise in foreign national detentions

The Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) reported a significant increase in the detention of foreign nationals during the first eight months of 2026. Data shows 232 detentions were made between January and August, surpassing the total recorded for the entire year of 2025. This rise in detentions occurred despite the number of inspections being less than half of the total recorded in the previous year.

During this same period, the GNR inspected 21,567 foreigners, issued 1,500 administrative offense notices, and provided 348 notifications for voluntary departure from the country. Since the dismantling of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), the GNR has assumed responsibility for border control and foreign national inspections across approximately 94% of the national territory.

André Costa Jorge, Director-General of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), has raised concerns regarding these figures, advocating for a focus on the effectiveness of the return system and better coordination between entities like AIMA and the UN. He emphasized the need for increased alternative measures to detention, arguing that detention is a severe measure that can unfairly associate irregular documentation status with criminal behavior.