Portugal's UNEF unit marks one year amid airport delays and criticism

The Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (UNEF), a specialized unit of the Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP), has completed its first year of operation since its launch on August 21, 2025. The unit was created to manage border control and immigrant inspection following the dissolution of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

The first year has been marked by significant operational challenges, particularly at airports like Lisbon. Long passenger queues have been reported due to the phased implementation of the European border control system. The National Union of Police Officers (SNOP) described the year as “very turbulent,” noting that the PSP has had to make strategic sacrifices to maintain airport security. Recent efforts to mitigate these issues include expanding border areas and deploying nearly 400 additional officers.

However, the unit faces criticism from advocacy groups. Timóteo Macedo, president of the association Solidariedade Imigrante, has accused the UNEF of prioritizing the “persecution of poor immigrants” over efficient border management. He characterized the unit as a “mini-SEF” that lacks a humanistic perspective, citing overcrowded detention centers and inadequate humanitarian conditions as evidence of structural failures.