Cape Verde and Portugal to sign Labor Mobility Agreement

The first step towards the signing of this agreement took place last July when a group of managers of the Algarve Tourism Region visited Cape Verde to discuss with the local authorities strategies for the recruitment of Cape Verde workers. This was done in the context of a “labor migration project” intended to meet Portugal’s needs to hire additional labor to the tourism and agricultural sectors in particular.
 
Despite the concerns expressed by some players of the Cape Verde tourism sector that this program could result in an exodus of qualified local workforce, the Prime Minister of Cape Verde announced that his government and the Portuguese government are working on an agreement which will afford employment contracts, social security and medical assistance to the Cape Verde citizens who wish to come to Portugal to work.

According to the Cape Verde Prime Minister, it is expected the agreement will be concluded shortly. Cape Verde immigration to Portugal started in the 18th century and the governments of the two countries are committed to ensuring such migration is done is a regulated manner and offering adequate protection to the workers involved.
 
This project involves various other Portuguese entities, including the Immigration Office (SEF), the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), the Algarve Hotel Association (AHETA), the Algarve Hotel Industry Owners Association (AIHSA), the Odemira and Aljezur Hosticulturists, Flower Growers and Fruit Growers Association (AHSA) , and several agricultural companies.