Thursday, July 13, 2017
JWS - Stevenson Lecture Theatre (University of Glasgow)
After the mid-90s it is possible to observe a revival in the outflow of Portuguese nationals, characterized mainly by a transformation of the institutional context in which it occurs, by the emergence of new forms of migration, by the development of new countries of destination, and simultaneously, by the reanimation of flows to traditional destinations. Mainly since 2005, it is possible to observe a new intensification of the outflow of Portuguese citizens. The development of different forms of short-term migratory outflows, as well as the frequent interlinks between permanent and temporary movements, appears in this context as one of the most distinctive features of Portuguese emigration. Some of these migration flows are substantially different from traditional forms of Portuguese emigration due to the fact that Portuguese companies, which use in their favour the advantages of free circulation in the EU space, are promoting the mobility of the workers. Another fresh feature of the recent Portuguese emigration, when compared with past migratory movements, is the higher qualification of the workforce involved. This paper, based on quantitative and qualitative data from two case studies (France and the UK) will enhance the comprehension of Portuguese migratory outflows in contemporary times.
