Uncovering the Hidden Reality: Portugal's Immigrant Population Lacks Accurate Data

Portugal continues to grapple with a lack of precise data on the number of immigrants currently residing in the country, as stated by Pedro Góis, the scientific director of the Observatory of Migrations. He emphasized that only by resolving pending cases at the Agency for Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) can more accurate and reliable data be obtained.

Despite this statistical uncertainty, Góis acknowledges a noticeable increase in the number of foreigners in Portugal over recent years, a trend that may continue to rise before stabilizing. He noted, “Immigrants have indeed grown significantly in recent years. Our statistics still do not encompass the entire reality added to the Portuguese population.”

These statements were made in light of a study released by Cáritas, which highlights a significant rise in requests for assistance from immigrants in Portugal. The report also warns about the increasing number of homeless individuals, including entire families living on the streets due to a lack of housing conditions.

According to Góis, housing overexploitation is a pressing issue particularly affecting newly arrived immigrants, especially those settling in large cities. He pointed out, “Housing overexploitation is a new reality that significantly impacts new immigrants, particularly those arriving in large cities who try to stay close to their communities.”

In light of these challenges, Góis advocates for the implementation of more effective public policies to ensure better living conditions and fair wages for immigrants in Portugal. He reiterated that the lack of precise data on the foreign population hinders the development of effective strategies to address the challenges of welcoming and integrating these citizens.

The uncertainty regarding the exact number of immigrants in Portugal is expected to persist until pending cases at AIMA are resolved, providing a clearer picture of the true scale of the migration phenomenon in the country. Meanwhile, the increasing economic difficulties faced by this population serve as a call for urgent social and housing support measures.