Migrants Landed in Algarve to Stay in Temporary Center Before Returning Home

Migrants who arrived in the Algarve will stay in a temporary installation center until their return process to their home country is completed, which may be voluntary or coercive. The Silves Court validated the 31 detentions for illegal immigration and decided that the individuals would remain in a temporary installation center. Major Ilídio Barreiros from the GNR's Coastal and Border Control Unit stated, "It was determined that they would be placed in a temporary installation center or a similar space until the coercive removal process or possibly a voluntary return process is completed."

Seven other individuals from the boat that landed at Boca do Rio beach in Vila do Bispo have not yet been heard by authorities due to hospitalization or accompanying minors. Barreiros mentioned, "We still have hospitalized migrants. We will identify them to formalize the detention process for illegal entry into national territory," ensuring their health is prioritized before court proceedings within the legal 48-hour deadline.

The migrants, including 25 men, six women, and seven minors aged between 12 months and 44 years, are in a fragile state, with some suffering from dehydration and hypothermia. A sports pavilion in Sagres was provided by the Vila do Bispo Civil Protection Service, offering good conditions for the migrants to shower and eat.

The coercive removal process has a legal deadline of 60 days, initially handled by the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), with the PSP taking over administrative responsibilities if not completed by August 21. Minister António Leitão Amaro clarified that there are no asylum requests currently, emphasizing Portugal's quick and effective response to the situation. He criticized past immigration policies but assured that the government is accelerating return procedures while respecting human dignity.

All migrants are Moroccan and entered the Schengen area illegally. The alert for their arrival was issued at 20:05, involving the GNR, Vila do Bispo Civil Protection, INEM, and volunteer firefighters from Vila do Bispo and Lagos.