Dissolution of SEF scheduled for October

The Minister of Internal Administration, José Luís Carneiro, revealed last week, on Thursday that the SEF - Immigration and Borders Service will undergo dissolution in October, with a transitional phase to facilitate this reform.

The Minister informed the press at a conference following the Council of Ministers' meeting that SEF's dissolution will commence in October as its personnel are assimilated into other forces.

The President of the Republic ratified two laws concerning the merger of SEF, specifically the transitional arrangement for workers and the establishment of the AIMA - Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). This new agency will take over administrative matters related to foreign citizens from SEF.

The minister described the process, stating that some general and administrative staff will transition to AIMA, while others from inspection and enforcement roles will join the Polícia Judiciária.

Additionally, José Luís Carneiro noted that certain SEF inspectors would temporarily maintain their positions at air, sea, and land borders until the reorganisation is securely established.

As SEF is dissolved, administrative responsibilities will be transferred to AIMA and the Institute of Registers and Notary (IRN), while police functions will be assigned to the PSP - Polícia de Segurança Pública (Public Security Police), GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guard), and PJ - Polícia Judiciária (Judicial Police).

GNR will oversee and manage maritime and land borders, including cruise terminals. PSP will take charge of monitoring, inspecting, and controlling airport borders. And PJ will preserve its exclusive jurisdiction in investigating illegal immigration and human trafficking cases.