Portugal launches new program to support migrants in finding jobs

Lisbon: The Portuguese government has introduced a new initiative to support migrants enrolled in the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP).

In a recent statement, the European Commission said that, known as Programa Integrar, this program is designed for unemployed individuals, those seeking their first job, and migrants looking to change their profession or access vocational training, Schengen.News reports.

Programa Integrar offers a range of services, including training, skills recognition support, and assistance with job searching. By addressing cultural barriers and enhancing social and professional skills, the program aims to improve employment opportunities for participants through various active employment measures.

Fundamental need to welcome and integrate the immigrant population, considering the ageing of the population and the lack of workers in many professional areas and strategic sectors of the economy.

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

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

Following the introduction of the Action Plan for Migration four months ago, Portugal has notably decreased the number of work visas issued to foreigners.

Official figures indicate a 24 per cent reduction in work visas granted during June, July, and August of this year compared to the same months in 2023. Specifically, Portugal issued 1,266 work visas to foreign workers in June, July, and August 2024, down from 1,666 in the same period of the previous year.

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

Additionally, authorities have announced that migrant workers who arrived in the country irregularly will no longer be allowed to remain while applying for work permits. Deputy Minister Rui Armindo Freitas, who is responsible for immigration policy, stated that these changes align with EU regulations. An Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) report has also indicated that the number of non-European immigrants to Portugal nearly doubled over the past five years.