Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Liza Debevec's avatar

I read this piece with interest, but I wanted to share a quick thought on the comparison the anonymous author made to the UAE’s immigration model. While the UAE does integrate migration into its growth strategy, it’s important to recognize the stark differences in context.

For example, the UAE’s immigration policies are very restrictive regarding naturalization, and many migrant workers, such as Ethiopian domestic workers, face serious rights and labor protections issues (because of the restrictive kefala system (see more on this in the link I share below)). This creates a system where migrants often have limited social integration and legal protections.

I feel the comparison risks oversimplifying these complex realities and may not provide the most useful model for rethinking migration policies in Portugal.

For some reference on what I am talking about, here is a report from HRW https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/12/03/questions-and-answers-migrant-worker-abuses-uae-and-cop28#Q2

Expand full comment
Alex Marshall's avatar

While the anonymous author writes well, her praise of the UAE Emirates surprised me. I’m not an expert, but some have said many of its 90% foreign born population are little better than slave labor. It also has huge oil wealth, which puts it in a very different situation than Portugal.

Expand full comment
9 more comments...

No posts