The Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) has put out to tender the support service for the National Police for the provision of assistance and information to passengers at the new Entry Exit System (EES) border controls being implemented at the passenger terminals of the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa.
The action is framed within the entry into force this year of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which entail the implementation of new Schengen controls for non-community citizens. These will have to provide biometric data at border crossings, thus replacing the traditional manual stamping of passports.
The project is developed in two phases. The first, already awarded to the company INETUM, includes the supply of the necessary technological equipment, its maintenance for a period of three years, and the training of auxiliary personnel who will provide support to the National Police.
The second phase, now in the bidding process, includes the incorporation of that auxiliary passenger information staff for three years. The contract has a base budget of 10.8 million euros and aims to reinforce operations at the terminals in light of the rollout of the system.
Among the functions of the auxiliary staff will be addressing travelers' inquiries, assisting in the use of EES devices, and managing passenger flows and queues to ensure orderly and agile access to the control points.
The project is co-financed by the European Union, which will provide 75% of the investment and 100% of the current expenditure through the Financial Support Instrument for Border Management and Visa Policy (IGFV).
According to the planned schedule, the new controls will come into operation before summer, enhancing security and modernizing procedures at two of the main Spanish ports in passenger traffic with North Africa.