The number of Brazilians living in Portugal has never been higher. This is what an exclusive survey carried out by the CNN, based on data provided by the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), of the Portuguese Embassy. For the most part, the age of Brazilians in Portuguese territory varies between 20 and 49 years.
Official information shows that the immigration of Brazilians to the European country has been growing for six consecutive years and reached the mark of 211 thousand people in March 2022.
Data from the SEF show that the number of Brazilians in Portugal has more than doubled since 2016. Currently, the Brazilian community represents almost 30% of all foreigners legally residing in the country.
This number, however, could be even higher. This is because Brazilians with dual citizenship are not counted in the SEF database. People in an irregular migratory situation in the country are also left out of the statistics. And according to the latest estimate by the Itamaraty, around 300,000 Brazilians live in the European country.
Brazilians residing in Portugal over the last few years:
- 2022: 211,958
- 2021: 209,558
- 2020: 183,993
- 2019: 151,304
- 2018: 105,423
- 2017: 85,425
- 2016: 81,251
Specialist heard by CNN states that Brazil’s economic instability has stimulated immigration over the past few years. According to the economist and finance professor at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), Pierre Souza, the trip of Brazilians to Portugal takes place at a time of difficulties in the Brazilian economy.
“There are two economic factors that are related to the immigration of Brazilians to another country. The first is unemployment, which has shown rates above 10% since the beginning of 2016. It is a natural movement, with more unemployment in Brazil, people invariably seek alternatives abroad. The other point that is related is the Bruno Domestic Product (GDP), which shows the temperature of the Brazilian economy. And this aspect has also not been positive in the country for a few years,” he said.
Pierre Souza also highlights that immigration to Portugal portrays an even more worrying scenario: Brazilians’ distrust of the country’s future.
“We can say that it is a set of factors that make a person leave Brazil for another country. And we can also say that clearly this is a long-term decision, that is, it says a lot about people’s expectations and confidence in the country’s future”, highlights the economist.
Source: CNN Brasil
