The coordinator of the Emigration Observatory says that Portugal "desperately needs" more immigrants and, in order to solve the problem of lack of labour, should make it easier for foreigners to come and work here - the government should, "run recruitment campaigns in key overseas markets."
For sociologist Rui Pena Pires, the labour problem that Portugal faces can only be solved by more immigration which, if it does not happen, leaves the country heading towards its own "suicide."
"The country spends too much time talking about the birth rate,” said Pires, arguing that current policies to encourage more babies will not solve the immediate problem of labour shortages that exist in many sectors.
"The demographic dynamics of the birth rate and mortality have no short-term consequences," said the sociologist.
Considering the current problems facing countries, from nationalist movements to large flows of immigration, Pires points to positive examples from Canada and Australia where immigration has not destabilised the country, “They are prosperous and peaceful countries."
Vítor Antunes, executive director of Manpower, says that Portugal needs to combat the problem, "not only by the return of some emigrants, but also by immigration."
Antunes says there is a scarcity of electricians, welders, mechanics and technicians, such as drivers, engineers, computer scientists, teachers, customer support workers, lawyers, project managers and administrative staff.
Manpower’s, ‘Talent Shortage Survey,' shows that 46% of Portugal’s companies have had above-average difficulties in recruiting the right talent, this being the largest increase since 2016, with 35% of bosses saying that interviewees did not have the necessary skills for the jobs on offer
Pena Pires says that fewer obstacles need to be put in the way of immigrants and that, "Immigrants from Lusophone countries always have a language advantage, which greatly facilitates integration."
