Brazilian Workers Hold the Edge in Algarve's Job Market, Says Tourism Leader

In a revealing interview, Hélder Martins, president of the Algarve's Hotels and Tourism Enterprises Association (Aheta), highlighted the competitive advantage Brazilian workers have in securing jobs in Portugal's Algarve region. With the tourism sector booming, Martins pointed out an urgent need for 100,000 workers across various sectors in the coming years, emphasizing immigration as a key solution.

The Demand for Skilled Labor

Martins clarified that while 8,000 positions are specifically in tourism, the broader economy requires a significant influx of skilled professionals. The recent 'fast-track immigration' policy aims to streamline the hiring of qualified workers from abroad, with Brazilian nationals benefiting from language proficiency and cultural affinity.

Why Brazilians?

Brazilians not only speak Portuguese but also bring a naturally friendly demeanor, crucial for the tourism industry. This has made them half of the Algarve's tourism workforce as of late 2024. Martins advocates for targeting Brazil and Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) for recruitment, given their linguistic and cultural compatibility.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the advantages, high living costs and housing shortages pose significant hurdles. Martins mentioned a 7% wage increase under a new collective agreement but acknowledged that even €2,000 monthly may not suffice due to soaring expenses. Proposed solutions include building worker-specific housing to alleviate accommodation pressures.

The Algarve's future growth hinges on addressing these challenges while leveraging the strengths of its immigrant workforce, with Brazilians at the forefront.