“The transition of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) is being done well”, guaranteed José Luís Carneiro.

“The internal security system will become even safer and the conditions for welcoming and integrating immigrants will be more adequate", adding that this restructuring "guarantees the same means" that Portugal had at the borders because “SEF employees will be working with the PSP and GNR to guarantee the security of the air and maritime borders”.

The minister also stressed that “the cooperation and integration of SEF inspectors in the PJ will allow for more qualified work” in the fight against human trafficking and illegal immigration.

The process of winding up SEF will take place at the end of October, transferring the police powers of the SEF to the PSP, GNR and PJ, while functions in administrative matters related to foreign citizens will go to the new Agency for the Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) and the Registry and Notary Institute (IRN).

José Luís Carneiro specified that the transition will start on October 29, but currently there are already 500 PSP police and GNR officers who are at the maritime borders and areas cooperating with SEF officials in strengthening and controlling borders.

“The transition will also allow, by creating the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, us to have more resources for reception and integration”, he stressed.