AMARANTE (Portugal): Seminar on Migrants and Skilled Labor

The challenges of workforce skills development, particularly for immigrants, were the focus of the European seminar held in the city of Amarante (Porto, Portugal). It was organized by Fidestra, under the direction of Maria Reina Martin, Vice President of IPCM.

The seminar was inaugurated by Jorge Ricardo, Mayor of Amarante, and Fernando Moura e Silva, President of the General Assembly of Fidestra. Both highlighted the role of their city in the vocational training of young Portuguese and foreign residents. The seminar took place at Casa da Portela, owned by the Amarante City Council, from September 25 to 28, 2025.

Experts from social organizations in ten European countries participated. The first presentation was given by Susana Clerici (Spain), who described her personal journey as an Argentine lawyer in Barcelona. She reflected on the meaning of the concept of "integration." She stated that women face specific problems, which further complicate their situation.

Maribel Alañón (Spain), Treasurer of IPCM, analyzed the complex situation surrounding the various motivations for migration, structural difficulties, and opportunities for individuals.

Veselina Starcheva (Bulgaria) explained that Bulgaria is experiencing population decline because its workforce is emigrating. This problem differs from that of other countries.

The president of IPCM, Rafael R. Ponga, emphasized the importance of language learning for achieving better integration. He also stated that Europe was not prepared to receive the large number of immigrants it currently has.

Joseph Touvenel (France) distinguished between voluntary and forced labor migration, as well as legal and illegal migration.

Vittorino Rodaro (Italy), a member of the IPCM Board of Directors, defended the need for a common European immigration policy. He commented on the dual situation of Italians living abroad and foreigners living in Italy.

Ermir Kasmi (Albania) explained the situation in his country and the perspective of the trade union he represents.

Antonio Brandão (Portugal) lamented the bureaucratic problems involved in legalizing foreign workers.

Marcela Máspero (Venezuela-Spain) described the problems faced by Venezuelan refugees who have arrived in Spain due to the difficult situation in their country. She specifically mentioned the issue of validating academic degrees and professional qualifications.

Uwe Therhorst (Germany) spoke about the role of Catholic organizations in welcoming immigrants and refugees.

Alda Barbosa (Portugal) explained the achievements in improving vocational training and the qualifications of students and workers.

Ignacio Argote (Spain), secretary of IPCM, called for social organizations to be more active and to participate in national and international decision-making processes.

Fernando Moura (Portugal) highlighted the role of the vocational training center in Amarante, which has extensive experience in training young Africans.

Valbona Halitaj (Albania) addressed the dual situation in her country: Albanians want to go to Germany to work; and Filipinos come to work in Albania.

Aneta Szczykutowicz (Poland), vice president of IPCM, analyzed the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, focusing on employment, education, language, and psychological issues.

Yiqin Zhu (Portugal) explained the situation of the second generation of immigrants, who live with two languages ​​and two cultures.

Olga Bastante (Spain) highlighted the integrative role of women's associations at the local and rural levels.

Isaias Afonso (Portugal) spoke from his experience as a teacher in Angola, Portugal, and France.

Guilherme Teixeira (Portugal), one of the organizers of this seminar, thanked everyone for their work and reaffirmed the commitment of Portuguese social organizations.

Adriano Santos (Portugal) emphasized the importance of education for both job opportunities and personal development.

Maria Reina Martin (Portugal), president of Fidestra and vice-president of IPCM and EZA, stressed that Portugal is a pioneering country in educational integration. She called for everyone to work towards creating "a more just and more supportive world, thanks to the commitment of our social organizations."

The participants were divided into working groups and prepared a set of proposals.

The seminar was funded by the European Union, within the EZA program, in collaboration with IPCM.