A new program to assist immigrants enrolled at the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) has been launched by the Portuguese government.

According to a recent statement from the European Commission, the Programa Integrar is intended for jobless people, those looking for their first job, and immigrants who want to change careers or get vocational training.

A variety of services are provided by Programa Integrar, including as job search help, training, and aid with skill recognition. The program attempts to increase participants' work chances through a variety of active employment initiatives by addressing cultural obstacles and improving social and professional skills.

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.

During the process, IEFP will use one-on-one in-person interviews to gather preliminary information on each participant's requirements, expectations, and profile. This evaluation will determine whether any Portuguese language study is required and assist in developing customised job and training strategies.

Furthermore, the program will assess and acknowledge the participants' current educational and professional backgrounds, making sure that they are connected to the proper recognition or equivalency procedures wherever feasible.

Portugal sees 24% drop in work visas after migration plan

Portugal has significantly lowered the quantity of work permits granted to foreign nationals since the adoption of the Action Plan for Migration four months ago.

Comparing the same months of this year to 2023, official statistics show a 24% decrease in the number of work visas granted in June, July, and August of this year. In June, July, and August of 2024, Portugal specifically awarded 1,266 work visas to foreign workers, compared to 1,666 during the same time the previous year.

Data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that Portugal issued more work visas from January to August 2024 than it did during the same period previous year, notwithstanding this fall in recent months.

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.