Latest news and stories about immigration in legal in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Ministry of Economy is developing new measures to combat the use of front shops and companies by criminal networks involved in illegal immigration and human trafficking. Authorities are currently evaluating potential solutions to address these illicit activities, which have been identified as a growing concern in commercial sectors.
The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) reported 980 entry refusals at Portuguese air borders during the first four months of 2026, a 41.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The police force stated that border control remains a permanent operational priority to ensure national security and combat illegal immigration.
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.
The Public Security Police (PSP) is prioritizing the expansion of immigrant detention capacity in Lisbon and Porto to 306 places by 2027, despite losing €30 million in EU funding, while addressing concerns regarding the treatment of irregular migrants.
It speaks of a country concerned about the future and an insecure and uncertain world. Additionally, the mayor of Lisbon City Council wants more police in the city's downtown area.
Ricardo Mexia (PSD), mayor of Lumiar, and Ricardo Marques (PS), mayor of Benfica, argue that there should be more oversight, but the Social Democrat highlights the suggestion made by Moedas.
The PSP and An Garda Síochána maintain this operational cooperation at Humberto Delgado Airport, strengthening border security and air connections between Portugal and Ireland.
The Guinean opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira arrived at Lisbon airport early this morning after being released from prison, where he had been held in preventive detention in Guinea-Bissau, and promised to return to the country to continue “this fight”.
Another deadline for the installation of the hearing room at Lisbon Airport has been missed. ANA Aeroportos confirmed a new date to DN, stating that the contract for the permanent facilities has been awarded, with completion expected in the second half of this year. Previous forecasts had suggested completion by the summer of 2026. Temporary facilities have been available since June 1st while work on the permanent ones continues. The delay is attributed to the division of responsibilities between entities and bureaucratic procedures. The room is intended for judicial hearings for immigrants denied entry, aiming to function as an extension of the Lisbon court to process cases before individuals are deported.
The existence of a scheme where, using addresses provided in exchange for money, the Penha de França Parish Council would attest to the residence of immigrants was reported by the local authority in 2022.
Portugal welcomes a Frontex team to assist in strengthening the monitoring and security of its borders.
My country, which for 50 years has balanced itself on the rubble of underdevelopment, has built a strange industry. An industry of death. An industry specialised in turning people into corpses. Opinion by Miguel Luís
The law firm Almeida & Associados announced this Monday, June 1st, the appointment of Duarte Pacheco as Senior Strategic Adviser. In this role, the economist will provide strategic support on institutional, economic, and international matters. The former MP's arrival is part of the firm's growth strategy to strengthen support for clients with operations, investments, or interests in various markets amid increasing international legal and economic challenges. Pacheco served as a member of the Assembly of the Republic from the VI to the XV Legislature and presided over the Inter-Parliamentary Union between 2020 and 2023. Founded in 2009, Almeida & Associados operates in sports, real estate, corporate, immigration, and tax law, with offices in Lisbon and São Paulo.
In early April, eight other students were stranded due to incomplete documentation, as explained at the time by the Director-General of Guinean Communities Abroad, Braima Mané.
At the beginning of April, eight other students were stranded for having incomplete documentation.
PRESS REVIEW | There are reports of a lack of bathing facilities and food shortages, with meals arriving late and in insufficient quantities.
Of the six students “detained” by airport authorities, three have already received authorisation to enter Portuguese territory. The case is being monitored by the country's embassy in Portugal.
The Guinean government is monitoring the case with representatives in Portugal
Humorist and writer Gregório Duvivier visited Lisbon for his play 'O Céu da Língua' and the launch of his new book, 'a Flor da Língua'. During an event at the Palácio Galveias Library alongside Portuguese writer Ricardo Araújo Pereira, Duvivier expressed his perplexity regarding the rise of xenophobia in Portugal, noting the country's own history of emigration and its current reliance on immigration. He emphasized the cultural strength and complementarity between Brazil and Portugal, advocating for more dialogue to bridge the two nations.
The ambiguity of a work of art also serves to warn about the lack of linearity in human nature. To remove its ambiguity is to deprive it of its timelessness. Opinion by Francisco Mendes da Silva
The now former party member announced her decision after the RTP programme 'A Prova dos Factos' reported that she had been renting housing to illegal immigrants, a situation that also led to internal criticism of Bruno Mascarenhas, the party's councillor on the Lisbon City Council.
For the movement, presenting this theory with colourful posters at a fair frequented by teenagers and young adults is 'normalising extremism'.
Director Marco Martins adapts Henrik Ibsen's classic play to explore the manipulation of immigrants' images by media and political parties. Inspired by a 2024 police operation in Lisbon where dozens of immigrants were lined up against a wall, the production features real-life participants to challenge the dehumanisation of migrant communities and spark a collective reflection on democracy and the 'minority versus majority' conflict.
The 'Contrato Formoso' operation has resulted in a formal indictment. Fifteen defendants, including six companies, face thousands of charges related to aiding illegal immigration in Lisbon.
In a statement, the Maritime Police announced that six irregular immigrants were notified during an inspection operation on river transport between Cacilhas and Cais do Sodré.
Controversial appointment made by the executive, Mafalda Livermore is the owner of properties rented clandestinely to immigrants. The Public Prosecutor's Office is also investigating possible usurpation of functions as a lawyer.
