Portugal has long been a country with a significant immigrant population, particularly from former Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, Brazil, and Eastern Europe. However, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent austerity measures, Portugal’s immigration policies needed to be re-evaluated to accommodate the changing demographic and economic landscape. In 2015, the Portuguese government launched the Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020, a forward-thinking framework designed to manage migration more effectively, integrate immigrants into society, and maximize the positive economic and social contributions of migrant communities. This plan outlined policy reforms aimed at improving immigrant integration, strengthening social cohesion, and addressing labor market needs. In this blog, we will explore Portugal’s Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020, its objectives, key measures, and the long-term vision for migration in Portugal.

The Context Behind the Strategic Plan for Migration

The Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020 was introduced during a period of significant economic recovery for Portugal, following the difficult years of austerity. The country had begun to stabilize, and immigration flows were on the rise again, particularly with the increasing demand for labor in certain sectors and the influx of migrants fleeing conflicts in Syria, Africa, and Latin America.

However, the Portuguese government recognized that traditional immigration policies had been inadequate in addressing the growing diversity of migrant communities and integrating them effectively into society. There was a clear need for coherent immigration management, with a focus on skills matching, social inclusion, and economic empowerment of migrants.

The Strategic Plan for Migration was Portugal’s response to these challenges, setting out clear goals and actions for the coming five years to ensure that migration continued to be an asset for Portugal, while ensuring that immigrants had the support they needed to thrive.

Key Objectives of the Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020

The Strategic Plan for Migration had several key objectives that aimed to ensure that Portugal’s immigration policies were aligned with the country’s economic, social, and demographic needs. Some of the central goals included:

1. Economic Integration of Immigrants:
   One of the primary goals of the Strategic Plan was to ensure that immigrants were not just physically present in Portugal, but also integrated into the labor market and economy. This involved creating pathways for migrants to gain employment, particularly in sectors that faced skill shortages such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare.

   The plan also sought to improve entrepreneurship opportunities for immigrants, particularly in the technology and start-up sectors. Portugal recognized that immigrants could play a significant role in boosting economic growth, particularly through job creation and innovation.

2. Social Inclusion and Equal Rights:
   Social integration was another key focus of the Strategic Plan, ensuring that immigrants were treated fairly and had access to the same rights and opportunities as Portuguese nationals. This included expanding access to social services, healthcare, and education, as well as fostering community engagement through cultural and social programs.

   The plan also focused on combating discrimination and xenophobia by promoting greater social awareness and respect for diversity. Key measures included language education programs, which were designed to help immigrants adapt to Portuguese society and participate fully in social and professional life.

3. Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees:
   With the rise of global migration crises, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, Portugal committed to taking in more refugees and asylum seekers. The Strategic Plan for Migration outlined specific actions for supporting these vulnerable populations, including providing housing, legal assistance, employment training, and access to mental health services.

   The plan also aligned Portugal’s immigration policies with European asylum regulations, ensuring that the country played an active role in the EU’s migration and refugee policies. Portugal’s commitment to providing safe haven for refugees was reflected in its participation in the EU relocation programs.

4. Streamlining Immigration Processes:
   A significant aspect of the Strategic Plan for Migration was the modernization and simplification of the immigration process. Portugal sought to make it easier for immigrants to apply for visas, residency permits, and citizenship. This involved digitalizing immigration processes, reducing waiting times, and providing clearer information to immigrants about their rights and responsibilities.

   Portugal also introduced measures to improve the efficiency of family reunification processes, ensuring that migrants could bring their families to Portugal and build stable lives together.

Key Measures Under the Strategic Plan for Migration

To achieve these ambitious goals, the Portuguese government introduced several specific measures and initiatives under the Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020:

1. Promotion of Social Cohesion and Integration:

   • Integration Programs: The government developed programs that specifically aimed to integrate immigrants into Portuguese society. These programs focused on language education, cultural orientation, and community building.

   • National Integration Plans: Portugal implemented specific policies at the local level to integrate immigrants in areas like education, housing, and healthcare. Municipalities were encouraged to develop their own integration strategies, tailored to the needs of their immigrant populations.

2. Fostering Immigrant Entrepreneurship:

   • Support for Startups and Businesses: The government provided incentives for immigrants to start their own businesses, including access to mentorship, grants, and tax incentives. This initiative aimed to increase economic opportunities for immigrants and encourage innovation in Portugal’s business landscape.

   • Tech Visa: Portugal launched the Tech Visa program to attract highly skilled tech professionals, including AI researchers, software developers, and digital entrepreneurs. This program provided fast-track residence options for qualified individuals working in Portugal’s growing technology sector.

3. Improved Asylum and Refugee Support:

   • Portugal introduced several support services for refugees and asylum seekers, including language classes, employment training, and psychosocial support. The government also worked to ensure that asylum seekers had access to basic social services while their applications were being processed.

4. Enhanced Collaboration with EU and International Partners:

   • Portugal’s Strategic Plan for Migration was closely aligned with broader EU policies, particularly regarding the relocation of refugees and joint EU migration initiatives. Portugal actively participated in the EU relocation programs, welcoming refugees from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.

5. Public Awareness Campaigns:

   • Public attitudes toward immigration can significantly affect integration outcomes. The government launched public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the Portuguese population about the positive contributions that immigrants make to society and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.

Long-Term Impact of the Strategic Plan

While the Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020 has contributed to positive changes in Portugal’s approach to immigration, the long-term success of these measures depends on sustained political commitment, financial support, and continuous evaluation. The country’s progress in integrating immigrants and providing them with the tools to succeed will also rely on cooperation between the government, local communities, and private sector.

Portugal’s increasing success in attracting skilled migrants, improving social integration, and fostering an inclusive society signals that the Strategic Plan for Migration is on the right path. As Portugal’s demographic profile shifts and migration patterns evolve, future policies will need to continue adapting to the changing needs of both immigrants and the broader Portuguese population.

Conclusion

Portugal’s Strategic Plan for Migration 2015-2020 was a bold and comprehensive effort to manage immigration in a way that benefits both the economy and society. By focusing on economic integration, social inclusion, and legal improvements, the plan has helped ensure that migration becomes an asset rather than a burden for the country. As Portugal continues to recover economically and its immigrant population grows, the legacy of the Strategic Plan will play a crucial role in shaping a future where diversity and integration are at the heart of Portugal’s social fabric.