Portugal: Unionized immigration officers to stage a nationwide strike July 9

Event

Unionized immigration officers in Portugal are planning to stage a nationwide strike July 9 to condemn the government's plan to restructure the immigration office. Although reduced traveler numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely mitigate related disruptions, longer wait times are likely at international entry points; lengthy lines are possible at security- and passport-screening points for international flights connecting with non-EEA and non-Schengen Area countries.

Striking officers will also stage a related demonstration in front of the parliament building in Lisbon July 9; the intended start time of the protest was not immediately announced. While the demonstration will likely proceed peacefully, a heightened security presence and localized transport disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the protest.

Advice

Allow additional time to pass through customs checks if traveling to or from Portugal July 9. Avoid the associated demonstration in Lisbon; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the vicinity of the parliament building.