Immigrants in Portugal are qualified, but are barred from the job market. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by Pre-Forum on Migrations|Portugal, which identified “structural flaws in the skills recognition processes”. Experts propose measures such as easier recognition of diplomas, less bureaucracy and greater support from public and consular institutions.
A series of recommendations were drawn up so that immigrants can have greater access to the job market in the country. Among these guidelines is the need to define automatic recognition mechanisms, the exemption from presenting qualification certificates in specific contexts (for example, in courses in the Vida Ativa – QUALIFIA+ program of the IEFP) and the creation of specific exams in English when there is no access to diplomas.
“Participants also defend the creation of institutional partnerships that allow certifying migrants’ skills, in models similar to professional internships, and the automatic acceptance of diplomas from Portuguese-speaking countries when the health and safety of users is not at stake”, highlights the statement.
Another place where a difference can be made is in companies and employment centers. “The conclusions point to policies that actively promote diversity, the creation of tax and contributory incentive systems that recognize good business practices, the implementation of awareness campaigns with human resources departments”, he highlights.
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For Diaby Abdourahamane, consultant at ComParte, states that Portugal “continues to waste” immigrant talent. “The conclusions show that Portugal has talent, skills and experience entering its borders every day, but continues to waste this potential due to a lack of simple processes and adjusted responses”, he points out.
At the same time, it analyzes that these are problems with solutions. “What the conclusions show us is that the obstacles experienced by migrants are structural, known and perfectly solvable. Strengthening the recognition of skills, speeding up entry into the job market and creating real conditions for participation is a strategic opportunity for the country”, he says.
It also highlights the need to “reduce exploitation and discrimination and support local solutions journalism programs to publicize positive cases.” The participatory process also highlights specific measures that can improve public responses, such as greater efficiency in the services of the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA), reduction of bureaucracy and costs associated with regularization and greater connection between universities and the job market.
amanda.lima@dn.pt
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