Union cites excessive workloads, extended shifts and cancellation of weekend breaks
Portuguese border police officers are sounding the alarm over “burnout” as summer crowds collide with new security systems at national airports.
The Public Security Police union (ASPP/PSP) has warned that officers working in the Foreigners and Borders Unit are reaching breaking point. In a letter to the PSP National Directorate and the interior minister, the union cited excessive workloads, extended shifts, and the cancellation of weekend breaks – all contributing to rising stress and physical exhaustion. There have even been reports of officers fainting at their passport control posts.
According to the union, operational constraints are resulting in daily delays and huge queues – a situation it says is “unacceptable for the normal functioning of that service.”
It adds that PSP police took on the responsibility of the Foreigners and Borders service “without any recognition”, lamenting that officers have not received any kind of pay bump or improvement in working conditions.
The union also warned the National Directorate that although the professionals “are competent, capable, altruistic and well known for their resilience, they should not be involved in a situation like this where their image and status are tarnished for reasons for which they are not responsible”.
The warning comes as long queues and delays grip Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport and Faro Airport, particularly for non-EU passengers. The disruption follows the rollout of a new digital border management system intended to enhance security and streamline entry into the Schengen Area. The system includes biometric data collection and real-time visa verification.
