The expenditure of over seven million euros was approved by the Council of Ministers and, according to a government statement, the objective is the “acquisition of hardware (‘e-gates’), software and corrective maintenance services”.

“The implementation of integrated systems within the scope of the ‘Smart Borders’ project of the Schengen Area aims to strengthen internal security and improve the management of migratory flows at Lisbon Airport. In this context, the need for immediate and urgent interventions is evident, through the increase in border control positions,” the Government also indicated.

Lisbon Airport was reinforced with 80 PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police) officers during the Christmas and New Year period due to long waiting times.

The new European border control system for non-EU citizens came into operation on October 12 in Portugal and the remaining Schengen Area countries, and since then, waiting times have worsened, particularly at Lisbon Airport, with passengers sometimes having to wait for several hours.

This situation led the Government to create an emergency task force at the end of October to manage this crisis.

Since December 10, the second phase has been underway, involving the collection of biometric data, which consists of obtaining photographs and fingerprints of passengers, further complicating the situation.