Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has said that the government may temporarily suspend the new European border control system during “critical hours” at airports to prevent negative impacts on the country’s economy. According to Montenegro, authorities are taking steps to ensure that the new rules do not disrupt airport operations.

Montenegro also addressed the controversy surrounding the appointment of the head of the SIRESP emergency communications network, which led to the resignation of António Pombeiro, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Internal Administration. He placed responsibility for the communication system’s failures on previous governments and noted that the current administration has established a multidisciplinary technical task force to develop a sustainable long-term strategy for the network.

Speaking about border delays, particularly at Lisbon Airport, the prime minister once again blamed the previous Socialist government and its decision to abolish the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). He also confirmed that more than 300 police officers will be deployed to assist with border operations by the end of June.

We would also like to remind readers that holders of Portuguese residence permits can now use the border control lanes designated for EU citizens instead of joining the general queue for passengers arriving from non-EU countries.