APMA will replace SEF

The Government’s proposal to disband the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) was approved today by the Parliament at commission level. Therefore, it is expected for the bill to be fully approved soon.

Until now, SEF was Portugal’s primary border control organization. In its stead, the future Agência Portuguesa para as Migrações e Asilo (APMA) will supervise immigration matters in Portugal. SEF’s policing powers will be transferred to PSP and Polícia Judiciária (police forces) and to Guarda Nacional República (gendarmerie). Part of its administrative powers will be transferred to the Instituto de Registos Notariado (IRN).