The foreign population residing in Portugal is approximately 1.5 million, representing approximately 14.5% of the country’s total population, according to the 2021 Census. Among the working population, immigrants account for roughly the same proportion, although this figure is likely to be higher, as is the case in all countries that receive immigrants.

In a country experiencing a severe demographic crisis, such as Portugal, which is even said to be going through a “demographic winter,” immigrants are essential to counteract the negative natural balance occurring in the Portuguese population.

The contribution of immigrants to Social Security is also very important for its own sustainability, since they currently pay more in contributions than they receive in benefits.

It can be said without fear of contradiction that immigrants are essential to ensuring that the country functions in virtually all sectors of economic and social activity, including fishing, agriculture, catering, hospitality, cleaning, construction, and transportation, as well as in schools and many other services. Immigrants with higher education are also a reality, although in much smaller numbers.

For example, in Lisbon, without immigrants, half the city would come to a standstill. This is a reality.

Furthermore, Portugal has always been a country of emigration and understands what it means to be an immigrant in other countries.

It is important to regulate immigration and establish rules on immigration flows, but not to ostracize immigrants or treat them badly, because that is inhumane and, in our specific case, a denial of our own history and a serious lack of intelligence.

In Diário Insular-José Lourenço, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.