Portugal launches new program to support migrants with skills, job search

The government of Portugal recently unveiled a new initiative, Programa Integrar, aimed at supporting migrants through training, skills recognition support, and job search assistance.

The initiative notes that migrants must be enrolled in the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP).

According to a  statement by the European Commission (EC) Programa Integrar targets unemployed individuals, first-time job seekers, and migrants looking to change professions or access vocational training.

The programme will also develop training activities with migrants to “reinforce knowledge of rights and duties to public employment services, especially when receiving unemployment benefits”, the EC notes.

By addressing cultural barriers and enhancing social and professional skills, it aims to improve employment opportunities for participants through various active employment measures.

Recognising the fundamental need to welcome and integrate the immigrant population, especially given the ageing population and the shortage of workers in many professional areas and strategic economic sectors, this initiative is timely and necessary.

IEFP will conduct initial assessments of each participant’s profile, needs, and expectations through individual in-person interviews. This process will help create tailored employment and training plans and identify any necessary Portuguese language learning.

Additionally, the programme will recognise and evaluate participants’ existing educational and employment qualifications, ensuring they are directed to appropriate equivalence or recognition processes when possible.

Portugal witnessed a 24% drop in work visas following migration plan

According to a report from the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), the number of non-European immigrants to Portugal nearly doubled over the past five years.

This has necessitated that the country significantly reduces the number of work visas issued to foreigners, despite the introduction of the Action Plan for Migration.

Rui Armindo Freitas, the deputy minister responsible for immigration policy, stated that these changes are in line with EU regulations.

For instance, official figures indicates a 24 per cent decrease in work visas granted during June, July, and August 2024 compared to the same months in 2023.

Specifically, Portugal issued 1,266 work visas to foreign workers in these months in 2024, down from 1,666 in the corresponding period the previous year.

Despite this recent decline, data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that Portugal issued more work visas from January to August 2024 than during the same period in the previous year.

Authorities have also announced that migrant workers who arrived irregularly will no longer be allowed to remain while applying for work permits.