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18 December 2020

Annual report on migrants’ integration in Portugal

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The vast majority - 81 % - of immigrants settled in Portugal are part of the country's active population, according to annual statistical report 'Indicators of migrant integration' (authored by Catarina Oliveira, director of the Observatory for Migration of the High Commission for Migration).

The data in this report show that migrants living in Portugal made social security payments amounting to 884 000 000 EUR in 2019. This figure is remarkable, according to Secretary of State for Integration and Migration Cláudia Pereira, who said:

'One of the myths about international migration is that migrants come to the country to benefit from Social Security payments. However, migration to Portugal is, essentially, contributory and active'.

She also stressed the relevant role of foreign citizens in the country's economic growth and recovery.

The report comprises 15 thematic chapters, including:

  • the effect of migrants on demography;
  • recognition of skills;
  • school performance;
  • incorporation into the labour market;
  • housing conditions;
  • access to health care;
  • racial and ethnic discrimination.

The report uses data gathered by 32 national and 16 international institutions, comparing Portugal with other EU member states whenever possible and appropriate.

Despite the positive evolution observed via indicators like school success, there is a still a long way to go when it comes to the integration of foreign citizens in Portugal. The report shows that migrants are at greater risk of poverty and live with greater material deprivation comparatively to nationals. In 2019 the risk of poverty and social exclusion among foreigners was 27.4% (6.1% higher than for nationals), although this is an improvement since 2013 when the risk of poverty for foreigners was 48.8% (compared with 26.0% for nationals).

The report in Portuguese
English
(7.08 MB - PDF)
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Details

Authors
Catarina Reis Oliveira
Geographic area
Portugal
Contributor type
National governmental actor
Original source
Posted by
Alina Esteves
Country Coordinator

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