Homeland Security responds to Ventura: issuance of visas for WYD depends on specific and strict criteria

The Homeland Security System (SSI) told the domain that so far no risky situations have been identified in the context of registration for World Youth Day (WYD) and “specific and strict” criteria for visas are guaranteed.

“After public concern was raised about the number of WYD2023 registered nationals from geographic regions that could ultimately pose a security risk to the event, Homeland Security comes to clarify […] that all citizens of the aforementioned geographical areas require a Schengen visa to enter the European area and national territory,” the SSI said in a statement.

According to the same note, no risk situations such as terrorism, illegal immigration assistance or human trafficking have been identified so far.

The issuance of visas, he pointed out, is subject to “specific and strict criteria” requiring the applicant to provide evidence of their participation in the event.

According to the statement, the Service for Foreigners and Border Guards (SEF) analyzes visa applications before the start of the trip.

On Saturday, the Chega leader said he needed clarification from the Interior Ministry about the risks associated with the alleged registration of “tens of thousands of people” from the Middle East in the WDM.

“This, if true, means that we are facing a very serious security threat and are facing the possibility or attempt to infiltrate Portugal during World Youth Day, not only by radical groups, but also by people who may have ill intentions,” André said. Ventura at the time.

SSI stated that from the very beginning of the registration, it asked the SEF to consult on security issues regarding various nationalities, including those mentioned by Ventura.

“Regardless of the number of calls that may arise by the end of the event, it should be noted that the rigor of the process will not change in any way,” he assured.

Homeland Security also clarified that the difference between the number of initial and completed registrations in these geographic areas is “substantially lower.”

He gave the example that the number of Pakistani citizens who completed the registration process before June is about 7%, but this percentage can still be reduced depending on the presentation of the visa process and security advice.

“All the forces and security services involved in this mega event, especially SIS, SEF, PJ, take security very seriously. [Polícia Judiciária]PSP [Polícia de Segurança Pública]GNR [Guarda Nacional Republicana] and the Maritime Police, including,” he stressed.

The SSI also mentioned that all persons who become aware of situations that may pose a threat to internal security should inform the authorities “immediately”.

André Ventura, who spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the Casa de Saúde de São João de Deus in Funchal, said this Saturday that the party has information, “not confirmed, but obtained from reliable and credible sources”, that thousands of people with Middle Easterners, especially from Pakistan, are registered for WYD.

World Youth Day, the largest event of the Catholic Church, is taking place for the first time in Portugal from 1 to 6 August in Lisbon, where about 1.5 million people are expected.