Police report rise in irregular migration via public transport
The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) have identified an increase in irregular migrants arriving in major cities using trains and buses. João Ribeiro, head of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or UNEF), stated that many individuals use Portugal as a transit point to reach other countries, such as Ireland. Meanwhile, Lisbon continues to expand its public transport infrastructure, recently adding 29 electric buses to the fleet operated by Carris.
The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).
PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.
João Ribeiro is a deputy national director of the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP). He currently leads the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), which manages migration control and border security matters.
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