Portugal is witnessing one of its most significant demographic changes in decades, driven by a sharp increase in immigration. In the past ten years, the number of foreigners in the country has quadrupled, presenting challenges that could persist for generations. The minister, speaking on the sidelines of the “Lisbon – A City for All” conference, addressed the growing issue, emphasizing the impact of this demographic shift.
“We are currently experiencing one of the most substantial demographic changes since the last century,” the minister said, highlighting the sharp rise in immigration over the last few years. “We must focus on the consequences and develop strategies to address this change for decades to come.”
The minister noted that, during earlier periods, Portugal’s immigration policies were less prepared to accommodate the influx of newcomers, with some instances of mistreatment and rising tensions between local and immigrant populations. He reflected on a time when the country opened its doors to immigrants, but the state and community lacked the infrastructure to properly integrate them. This created “inhumanity” and unrest among both immigrants and the existing population.
A year ago, the government introduced the Action Plan for Migration, which included 41 measures aimed at regulating and managing the influx. One key change was the end of the “expressions of interest” system, which had previously allowed immigrants to regularize their status in Portugal without a work visa. This system had been exploited by many foreigners, contributing to the strain.
The minister emphasized that the government’s approach had shifted towards a more controlled and regulated framework, balancing the rights of immigrants with their duty to integrate into society. “This approach of moderation is crucial to ensure we do not fall into the trap of hatred and division, as seen in other countries where extremists fuel resentment,” he explained.
Despite progress, there is still much work to be done, with around two-thirds of the Action Plan for Migration already implemented. “The country has made significant strides, but there is still much more to do,” the minister said. He also pointed out that Portugal’s approach remains humanistic and moderate, in contrast to the more extreme and dehumanizing responses seen in other parts of the world.
“Society cannot thrive in an environment of hatred,” he added, stressing the need for responses that unite rather than divide.
During the debate, Miguel Soares, director of the Department for Social Rights of the Lisbon City Council, highlighted that Lisbon is home to about 10% of Portugal’s foreign residents, with approximately 160,000 immigrants, primarily from Brazil. The capital city has been a key point of arrival for many immigrants, which has, at times, led to a strain on public services and infrastructure.
In some neighborhoods, such as Arroios, the sudden increase in foreign residents has created tensions. The president of the Arroios Parish Council, Madalena Natividade, recalled how the number of immigrants in her area had doubled the parish’s population, placing significant pressure on local resources. One of the major issues faced by the council was the large number of residence certificate applications, many of which were linked to illegal practices, including fraudulent addresses.
“This exploitation of immigrants is a real problem,” Natividade said. “In 2021, immigrants were paying €50 for signatures, and now that amount has risen to €250.” To address this, the council implemented stricter procedures, issuing residence certificates only when immigrants provided proof of a residence permit and had witnesses present to verify their claims. These changes have significantly reduced fraudulent applications, with a 90% drop in requests for residence certificates.
Natividade praised the efforts of public services, which helped avoid what could have been a far worse situation.
Finally, Ana Sofia Branco, coordinator for asylum seekers and refugees at Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, underlined the importance of timely responses and effective services in managing immigration. She stressed that immigration issues are best addressed when there is a sense of shared identity and trust, with services that are responsive to the needs of both the immigrant population and the broader community.
In conclusion, the government and local authorities are working towards better integration and regulation, but the challenges presented by Portugal’s changing demographic landscape are likely to persist for many years to come.
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