“Stopping the immigration cycle means stopping the economic growth cycle in Portugal, let no one have any doubts about that,” said Mário Centeno during the presentation of the June Economic Bulletin at the Money Museum in Lisbon.
The head of the Portuguese banking supervisor, who presented what could be his last Economic Bulletin, since his term is coming to an end, stressed that “without immigration, the Portuguese economy will not grow.”
“Growth would not happen if it were not for the invaluable contribution of immigration to our society. It is very important to understand this, because it is very important to understand the reasons why our economy is growing,” he said, adding that the country has “maintained the ability to attract and create conditions for the labour market to absorb these immigrants.”
The governor also stressed that these workers “have a very broad distribution of skills,” which is suited to the needs of the sectors.
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If it's the right sort of immigration - that is, proven skilled workers - then yes, but NOT the drug-pushing, gimmegrants who are beginning to populate and despoil so many cities and towns here in Portugal. Send them home.
By George from Other on 06 Jun 2025, 18:42
When are these Portuguese politicians going to stop with their nonsense? All the young and talented Portuguese people are leaving the country because there is simply no future with the ridiculously low salaries and nonstop rising costs. The only thing these corrupt politicians are doing is defending their own greedy business friends who are using poor immigrants as modern slaves to they themselves can get richer and richer. Shame on them!
By Michel Ribbens from Lisbon on 06 Jun 2025, 21:44
If you take away immigration the Portuguese population would have been reduced from 10.5 million to 9.5 million people over the last 15 years. The demographics show a growing elderly population and the young and educated are leaving in droves (about 500,000 over the last 15 years). Now, I am an immigrant, skilled labour, well paid even by Norwegian standards. My frustrations are growing over dysfunctional bureacracy and high cost. AIMA not working. Paying through my teeth for lawyers to achieve results which are easy self service (and free) in Norway. Everything is corrupt. Perhaps Portugal is great for expat Americans invoicing their freelance work. For regular employees it's not great. Thinking about Spain as my next stop.
By Jon Sigurd Smith Johnsen from Lisbon on 08 Jun 2025, 09:28
Yes I agree that immigration is necessary but it must be the right people with proven skills and with similar cultural backgrounds so that they will easily integrate.
By L from Lisbon on 08 Jun 2025, 13:45
Politicians are wrong they need to cut 6.1 per cent unemployment by employing Portuguese in hospitality, health and social care and along with agriculture. These are basic jobs the don't require high skilled migrants.
By Roddy de la Mer from Porto on 08 Jun 2025, 19:59