Ukrainians in Portugal

Ukrainians constitute the second-largest foreign community residing in Portugal, with 44,074 residents in 2012, and 52,293 in 2009,[1] according to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). Only the Brazilian immigrant community is larger. According to data from SEF, this number represents a decrease in respect of 62,448 Ukrainians residing in Portugal in 2002, when they were the largest immigrant community in Portugal.[2]

History of Ukrainian immigration to Portugal

Ukrainians began arriving in Portugal in the late 1990s, and there was a tremendous growth in the early years of the twenty-first century. In the initial phase, between 1999 and 2002, immigration was processed either in an organized manner, based on intermediaries, or through international networks of illegal recruitment of workers, disguised as travel agencies. The earliest immigrants entered the country with Schengen visas, valid throughout the Schengen Area, and remained undocumented until they were granted permanence permits.[2][3][4]

From 2004, following the decline in investment in major public works, the economic recession and improved mechanisms for controlling illegal immigration, many Ukrainians have left the country.[2]

Since 2009, the decline in the number of immigrants has steepened as a consequence of the economic crisis that has been occurring from 2008 on, and also due to the acquisition of Portuguese nationality by many Ukrainian citizens.[2][3]

Initially, the intention of many Ukrainian immigrants was to remain in Portugal for short periods, and many of them left the country. However, many others ended up opting for a longer stay. Among these, many decided to settle permanently in Portugal, joining or forming their families in the country and seeking recognition of their academic and professional qualifications, aiming access to more skilled and better paid jobs.[2]

Ukrainians in Portugal today

Although the initial migration flow was motivated by job search and was predominantly masculine, the female component in the Ukrainian community in Portugal has increased substantially during the following years, particularly for reasons related to family reunification. According to Census 2011, women represented 49.2% of the Ukrainian population resident in Portugal, while in 2001 they were only 18.6%.

The Ukrainian population in Portugal is relatively young compared to the native Portuguese population. The average age of Ukrainians residing in Portugal is 34, lower than that of native Portuguese, which is 42.1 years.

The educational levels of individuals of working age (15–64 years) are higher than those of Portuguese nationals. According to Census 2011, 23.3% of Ukrainians in Portugal had completed college education, and only 9.7% had an academic qualification lower than the 9th grade. These values contrast with the education levels of the native Portuguese population, which were 16.6% and 40.6%, respectively.

Also, according to the 2011 Census, 71.1% of the Ukrainian population was economically active and 59.2% were employed, while 47% of the Portuguese nationals were economically active and only 41% had jobs.

Most Ukrainians in Portugal work in low-skill and low wages jobs, particularly on cleaning services, construction, manufacturing industries, transport services, hotels and restaurants. However, according to a recent survey, it was found that some Ukrainian workers have achieved jobs that are more compatible with their academic and professional qualifications.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "População estrangeira residente em território nacional: 2009" [Foreign population residing in the national territory: 2009] (PDF). SEFSTAT (in Portuguese). Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "A Comunidade Ucraniana em Portugal" [The Ukrainian community in Portugal]. High Commissariat for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue (ACIDI) (in Portuguese). 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  3. 1 2 Neves, Céu (4 July 2012). "Portugal tem menos imigrantes" [Portugal has fewer immigrants] (in Portuguese). Diário de Notícias. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Schengen Area And Types of Schengen Visas". DGACCP. 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2016.

External links

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