There is a big community of Nepalese residing and working in Portugal reportedly one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in Portugal. Most Nepalese migrating in Portugal lived in Lisbon. Reports suggest that 1,287 Nepalese received Portuguese citizenship as of 2019 that makes them the ninth biggest nationality.
Many immigrants migrate to Portugal for a better economy, European residency, strong social networking and a better lifestyle and Portugal’s welcoming environment and flexible immigration made it all possible. Brazil, the prominent immigrant community in Portugal have comparatively an easy lifestyle in the country since there is no language barrier. They can easily blend in the Portuguese culture but it is rather a challenging thing in the context of those who come from Nepal.
The ultimate dream to hold a EU ‘Red Passport’ however costs a lot as many Nepalis need to adjust to the language, culture, and extreme work in agriculture. Above all the challenges the cost of reaching Portugal may range from €4,000 to €14,000 (or $4,185 to $14,650) as per the reports presented by sociologist Alexandra Pereira.
Nepalese started migrating from the 1980’s and after the formulation of the Foreign Employment Act, 1985, the process became even easier. Nepali immigration started as construction workers in the Gulf countries or security guards in Malaysia while the number of people migrating to Europe has been significant since the 2000s.
Nepalese Community, the present Scenario Employment and Living
It is very common to see Nepalese working in restaurants, retails and agriculture whereas a significant group of people have established themselves as successful businessmen.
Reports suggest that finding a job or starting a new business was relatively easier before Covid 19 hit. The cost of renting, fooding increased rapidly which made the lives even more complicated.
Source: Google
Joao Carvalho, a political scientist at the University of Lisbon says,
“We need workers, but we can’t say we’re open to immigrants because France and Germany won’t tolerate this. We rely on the labor market instead. If there are jobs here, people will find a way into the country to fill them. If there is no work, they will leave.”
He further added,
“Immigration to Europe is an industry. And [Portugal’s] place in this industry is to use the labor for five to seven years, provide passports, and then somebody else will have the labor.”
First Migrant Support Center Established by Nepalese
NIALP is the first non-profit organization established in Lisbon, Portugal particularly to help people from South Asia aiding them in language, education, legal matters, employment, health and various other community services.
People studying at NIALP Source: Google
Kamal Bhattarai leads the association aiming to provide all kinds of support for all migrants, not just Nepalese and South Asians. NIALP opened Portugal’s first Local Support Center for the Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) in Martim Moniz in partnership with AIMA, the government agency working on managing integration, asylum, and migration.
Bhattarai said,
“Here they can find someone who speaks their language and can help them find solutions to their problems.”
AIMA stated,
“The centre will provide a free service with reception, information and support functions for migrant citizens, including immigrants and applicants for international protection.”
“The opening of the first local support centre for the integration of migrants in Martim Moniz, an area known for its multiculturalism, and in partnership, for the first time, with an association for the integration of Nepalese immigrants into Portuguese society, is a reflection of the work carried out by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum to promote the integration of all migrants who have chosen this country to live in.”
Furthermore, there is a Non-Resident Nepali Association in Portugal (NRNA) dedicated to harnessing the collective potential of Nepalese residents, influence their expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive to propel progress in Nepal and our communities. Sujan Lama Moktan is the current president of the organization for the period of 2025-2027 aiming to be the voice for change and to maintain transparency and accountability. As per Moktan the prime motive of the association is “For Nepali by Nepali. Yo Maan ta Mero Nepali Ho”.
