According to a study by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto, Portugal needs more immigrants to boost economic growth and improve living standards. This influx is deemed essential if the country aims to join the ranks of the wealthiest nations in the European Union by 2033.

Reflecting this perspective, the Portuguese government introduced a new Action Plan for Migration on June 3, 2024. It swiftly took effect the next day, presenting 41 measures to tighten migration controls, addressing the backlog of pending immigration cases at the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), and updating the Entry/Exit System at the borders, among other initiatives.

Globally, immigration remains a highly contentious issue. In the United States, the debate centers on the influx of individuals crossing the border from Mexico, a topic highlighted during the televised debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In the United Kingdom and Europe, concerns focus on human trafficking and the illegal entry of immigrants from the Middle East and Africa.

In 2022, over five million immigrants from non-EU countries entered the European Union, more than double the number from the previous year. Over the past decade, the EU has seen 29 million immigrants arrive, both legally and illegally, putting pressure on economies and affecting public sentiment, especially where the cost of living is already a significant worry.

In contrast, Portugal has generally welcomed newcomers from Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various Schengen countries. However, there are concerns about the impact on the national housing shortage.

The country’s attractions include its reputation as one of the safest countries globally, consistently ranking within the top 10 of the Global Peace Index.

Portugal offers a comfortable Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Temperatures range from an average of 10-12°C in the north to 16-18°C in the south, with Madeira and the Azores experiencing wetter and warmer conditions due to their Atlantic island locations.

Portugal is also known for its relatively low cost of living, especially for those moving from abroad. The cost of living is about 40% lower than in the United States, making it an attractive option for expatriates. Moreover, the country provides quality education for children in both public and private schools, adding to its appeal for families.

While immigration presents challenges and complexities, Portugal’s example shows that it can also bring significant benefits, contributing to economic growth and enhancing the country’s cultural and social fabric.
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Len Port, born in Northern Ireland, worked as a news reporter and correspondent, mainly in Hong Kong and South Africa, before moving to Portugal many years ago.