These changes are part of an agreement signed today between the Ministry of Justice and the National Union of Prison Guards (SNCGP), the Union Association of Prison Guard Chiefs (ASCCGP) and the Union Association of Prison Guard Professionals (ASPCGP), which foresees the enhancement of the careers of that professional class, initially through the application of three measures that the unions consider fundamental.

In a statement, the Ministry of Justice (MJ) says that the agreement signed with Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice stipulates a reduction from 21 to 18 years for entry into the prison guard career and an increase in the maximum age from 28 to 35 years, "thus expanding the number of candidates and the recruitment base," says the MJ.

With this change, the minimum and maximum age for entry into the prison guard career becomes identical to that of admission for PSP (Public Security Police) agents.

Overtime

According to the ministry, the agreement also establishes the payment of overtime worked by Prison Guard Corps personnel beyond the stipulated duration limits, "in duly justified cases and, exceptionally, whenever this proves necessary to guarantee security in prison establishments."

Another measure is a greater simplification and speed in recruitment processes, in order to adapt admission and training to the demands of the current social context, with the adaptation of the previous decree.

“Today we are taking another important step in valuing the professionals of the Prison Guard Corps,” says the Ministry of Justice, adding that “this result stems from a negotiation effort by all parties and represents a strong impetus to strengthen and rejuvenate the ranks of prison officers and to make the career more attractive.”

In the statement, the Minister of Justice emphasizes that this commitment is yet another sign of the importance given by the Ministry of Justice and the Government to the prison system.

The ministry adds that it is working, together with the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services, on a multi-year plan (2026-2029) for recruitment and promotions for the Prison Guard Corps careers, in order to guarantee their growth and rejuvenation, as well as the maintenance of high levels of readiness and operational effectiveness, in accordance with the commitment made in the Government's program.

This agreement, which had already been announced on Tuesday by the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP), led the union structure to withdraw its participation in the general strike of December 11, as its president, Frederico Morais, told Lusa.