By Pramod Raj Sedhain.
Recently, I was in Portugal for a week to cover its agricultural characteristics, farms and its reliance on foreign workers. I visited several agriculture farms to cover almost three distinct topographical and climatic zones in the south, center as well the mountainous and rainy northern part of the southern European nation. What I felt is that Portugal’s agricultural performance has re-emerged becoming the fastest growing and alternative sector to create more jobs in the country. More interestingly, Asian workers are gaining popularity in Portugal’s agriculture sector.
Until 1950s, farming was Portugal’s biggest industry and was almost a third of the country’s gross domestic product. But after joining the EU in 1986, the country focused on services. Now, this country has once again focused on agriculture sector to create more jobs and economic growth. The government has supported agricultural farming and investors too are optimistic. Portugal government has set a target to eliminate the country’s 2.7 billion-euro food-trade deficit by 2020. Around one-third of land area is useful for agriculture and agribusiness is booming across the nation. European Union and Portugal’s government aim at boosting the farm business by providing a grant of 1.3 billion Euros every year.
Portugal has been trying to restructure its agriculture economy and has given a lot of incentives to new investors. Despite the limited opportunities of foreign non-skilled laborers in Portugal, Asian migrant workers have been proved as the best alternative. Portugal itself faces unemployment crisis. But agriculture employers seeks immigrant labor from Asian Countries. The farm has been facing difficulty to attracting Portuguese nationals. Therefore, this country brings in workers from Nepal, India, Thailand, among other countries. Approximately, more than 60 percent of the farm workers in Portugal are now foreigners. Nepalese workers are no exception.
Unemployment rate in Portugal is currently stands at around 13 percent – lower than around 18 percent registered in 2013 but is still painfully high. Portugal’s economy is almost dominated by services but currently agricultural is emerging as the fastest growing business. Despite its service oriented economy growth, the country has focused on agriculture with fishing just around 3.9 percent of economic stake. Around 10 percent of labor force has been engaged. Until 1990, Portugal’s agriculture, forestry, and fishing created 17.8 percent employment and 6.2 percent of GDP in 1990. Portugal is one of the world’s largest exporters of tomato paste, produces 2 percent of the world’s olive oil and a leading exporter of wines. Portugal is also famous for wheat, barley, corn, rice, potatoes, grapes, olives and tomatoes as well other agro produce.
Agriculture farms can be the best destination for young Asians, who have previously entered Europe either legally or illegally from Britain or elsewhere. Some workers working in the farms in Portugal have come through contacts either from Asian manpower companies with local companies or through some other means. One Nepalese agriculture worker said, “Other jobs in Portugal are difficult to find. Therefore, I decided to work in an agriculture farm. It’s nice and we have gained new skill. Our major concern to work here is to get legalization residence card”.
Considering United States and Europe as a paradise could even lead to misfortune or unfortunate circumstances for Asian youths. This was my third field reporting in Portugal and this time gave a new hope and satisfaction to see and meet several Nepalese and Asian workers working in the farms. During my previous visit in 2012, the situation of Asians, especially Nepalese was pathetic. But this time, I could see a changed situation since I did not hear any painstaking stories. During my previous visit, I could experience the dreams and hopes of migrant workers being shattered. However, people have new hopes due to agriculture farm. Getting a better-paid work for migrant Asian workers have remained slim. Another worker told me, “It is very time-consuming and difficult. We are working in a minimum wage. But we get unemployment benefits to residence legislation gateway”. Most of the educated migrant labors and Portugal’s low minimum wage benefit these workers.
Anna BOURNOT, Director at the Mirtisul, an agriculture farm, said, “I am sorry to say that Portuguese youths do not have the passion to work in farms. I am happy that I have Nepalese workers in my farms because of their honesty, sincerity and hard work.” This French women praised her workers for their dedication towards their work. She plans to expand her farm by hiring workforce from Asian countries, including Nepal. Hugo Melita, Managing Director of Sunshine Fruits Ltd, is also pleased to hire Asian workers. Hugo said, “Most of my workers are hired from Asian countries because of their hard work, dedication and loyalty.”
Local recruitment agencies are involved in Portugal’s facilitating recruitment process. Chairman Surya Hamal of Polar Dream said, “Quality of workers in agriculture field depends on different requirements but in general field unskilled workers are acceptable”. However, technical and processing sector need semi-skilled and professionals and they are basically local Portuguese”. This Nepalese origin young Portuguese businessman adds, “Hiring a local Portuguese in agriculture farm is difficult. Local people are interested in other jobs rather than agriculture. But we hire them especially for official jobs, field supervisors or technicians.”
Portugal’s agriculture farms have become an undocumented workers’ destination. These farms have succeeded in attracting young Asians. Portugal is part of the Schengen region and if they pay the six month of Social Security and pay taxes from their salary, these workers will be qualified to apply for residence cards. Several Asians have benefitted from this provision. Impressive respect of local Portuguese people and their hospitality will further create a favorable environment for foreign workers. Even the supervisors’ treatment has been admirable.
Portugal initiated the program in 2014 after achieving some success in cutting its deficit and restoring growth. Recent National Statistics Institute data indicator shows that Portugal’s consumer confidence is now at the highest level since 2002. Portugal, the gateway to the European Union has struggled to recover its economy but the situation is still painful. The National Statistics Institute data indicates an optimistic sign. This unique nation has a rich history of sea farming but since 2008 Portugal has undergone economic suffering.
Portugal is still struggling to recover from its debt crisis – the worst economic slump since the 1970s. Portugal’s bail out was alarming for all Euro zone members and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank in 2011 with a 78 billion euro package lenders for emergency assistance. It got the loan under a harsh term and condition. The economy is gradually recovering while the GDP per-head remains well under the EU average but austerity remains in place. But, the historic country is still struggling to create new jobs for youths.
