GNR reports over 100,000 foreign nationals inspected and 459 arrests since October 2023
Portugal's National Republican Guard says it has checked more than 103,000 foreign citizens and made 459 detentions between October 2023 and August this year.
Data released by the GNR show that its Coastal and Border Control Unit together with regional commands examined 103,212 foreign nationals in Portugal from 29 October 2023 to the end of August. The operations resulted in 459 arrests, the drafting of 8,670 administrative violation reports and the issuance of 1,068 notifications for voluntary departure. The force also carried out sector-specific checks, covering public spaces, commerce, industry, transport hubs, hospitality, agriculture and social-care institutions.
Following the dissolution of the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, the GNR now manages border and immigration control over roughly 94% of national territory. Officials highlighted the unit’s role in preventing illegal entry, human-trafficking and unlawful labour, noting improved operational maturity and technical training since assuming these responsibilities.
