Around 350 former inspectors from the abolished Foreigners and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) filed a lawsuit demanding seven million euros in damages from the Portuguese state. The plaintiffs claim at least 20,000 euros each for non-material harm, arguing their career transition was executed without required impact studies and ignored warnings from 13 consultative bodies. The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) confirmed that the state has contested the claim.
Former SEF Inspectors Seek Millions in Compensation From State
Tuesday, 6 October 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Ministério Público (Public Prosecution Service) is Portugal's independent state prosecution body, responsible for leading criminal investigations, bringing charges, and representing the public interest in court.
The MP operates autonomously from the government and the police, though it directs criminal investigations carried out by the Polícia Judiciária, PSP, and GNR. It is led by the Procurador-Geral da República (Attorney General), who is appointed by the President on the government's proposal.
The MP gets involved in high-profile cases including corruption, financial crime, and incidents of potential institutional negligence. It also defends the legality of government actions and protects citizens' fundamental rights through the courts.
