Indians in Portugal. Some facts.

27 Apr, 2024

Between 2018 and 2021, the Indian community in Portugal, comprising recent migrants and those tracing their roots to India, has seen a notable increase, totalling around 80,000 to 120,000 individuals according to varying estimates. During this period, approximately 32,000 Indians arrived in Portugal, choosing mainly Lisbon and Porto as their settling grounds. This influx represents a significant segment, ranging from 0.76% to 1.15% of Portugal's total population.

Moreover, Indians have also dispersed into other regions of Portugal such as the Algarve, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Odemira, and Rio Maior. Predominantly, the Indian community in Portugal is composed of diverse ethnic groups including Goans, Gujaratis, Tamilians, Malayalis from Daman and Diu, and Tamil Nadu.

The latter half of the 2010s witnessed a new wave of Indian immigration to Portugal, alongside individuals from other South Asian nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This movement was primarily driven by the demand for unskilled labor in agriculture, marking a significant demographic shift in the country.

Indian wedding Planning in Portugal

25 Apr, 2024

Looking to organize an Indian wedding in Portugal and in need of an experienced Indian wedding planner or planning company? Look no further. We specialize in assisting couples with planning Indian weddings in Lisbon and Algarve.

Portugal, nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, offers a picturesque setting for your destination wedding. Its charming cobblestoned streets, vibrant architecture, and stunning beaches serve as an enchanting backdrop for your special day.

Combining the natural beauty of Portugal with the rich traditions of an Indian wedding results in a truly magical and unforgettable experience. While specific customs may vary depending on the couple’s regional heritage in India, the essence remains the same – a joyous celebration of love, family, community, and new beginnings.

Our dedicated team of Indian wedding planners in Portugal is here to assist you every step of the way in planning your dream destination wedding. Whether you envision a Hindu, Nikah, or Sikh wedding ceremony in Portugal, contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable celebration.

Major visits between India and Portugal

25 Apr, 2024, No comments

In January 2017, Prime Minister Antonio Costa embarked on a visit to India from January 7 to 12, accompanied by a ministerial and business delegation. Notably, PM Costa holds the distinction of being the first Indian-origin Head of Government in the Western world. During this visit, a total of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed across various sectors including Defence, Agriculture, Marine Research, IT & Electronics, Startups, and Renewable Energy. Additionally, an agreement was reached for the establishment of an ICCR Chair at the University of Lisbon.

A Joint Stamp depicting the cultural dances of both nations was also released to commemorate 500 years of diplomatic relations, and the Portuguese novel "Signo da Ira," set in Goa and authored by PM Costa’s father, was translated into English and unveiled during the visit.

On June 24, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a historic visit to Portugal, marking the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. During this visit, 11 MoUs were signed covering areas such as Space, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Culture, Youth & Sports, and Higher Education (IITs), among others.

In December 2019, PM Costa visited India once again to participate in a meeting of the Organising Committee overseeing the global commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu@150), convened by PM Modi.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, accompanied by three ministers, parliamentarians, and business delegates, visited India from February 13 to 16, 2020. During this visit, 32 MOUs and outcomes were signed, and President Sousa had engagements in Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa.

In September 2021, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi conducted an official visit to Portugal to review bilateral relations and signed the Bilateral Agreement on the Recruitment of Indian Citizens to Work in Portugal. This agreement marked a significant step in enhancing partnership and cooperation between the two nations on labor mobility.

The year 2022 witnessed several notable visits between India and Portugal, including a visit by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs João Gomes Cravinho to participate in the Raisina Dialogues’ panel and a delegation led by Minister of State for Science and Technology and Minister of State for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh to attend the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon.

Additionally, significant interactions took place in 2023, including a visit by Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Ana Fontoura Gouveia to Bengaluru for the India Energy Week and a visit by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Portugal, marking the first official visit by an Indian EAM in over two decades.

Moreover, Ambassador Rui Vinhas, Director-General for Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, traveled to India to participate in the 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Portugal, held in New Delhi on January 31, 2024.

Political relations between India and Portugal

25 Apr, 2024

The relationship between India and Portugal is characterized by warmth and friendship. Portugal recognizes India as a vibrant pluralistic democracy, a significant global economy, and an ancient civilization with deep historical and cultural connections. Portugal has consistently advocated for India's permanent membership in key international forums such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Notably, the concept of initiating an India-EU Summit was first proposed by Portugal during the tenure of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as Prime Minister, leading to the inaugural summit held in Lisbon under the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union in 2000, with the presence of Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.

High-Level Visits

From India to Portugal:

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (June 24, 2017)

- Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the First India-EU Summit in Lisbon under the Portuguese Presidency of the EU (June 2000)

- President K. R. Narayanan (1998)

- President R. Venkataraman (1990)

From Portugal to India:

- State visit of the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (February 13-16, 2020)

- Prime Minister Antonio Costa's visit to New Delhi to attend the meeting of the Organizing Committee on global commemorations of Bapu@150; he also held bilateral discussions with PM Modi (December 19, 2019)

- State visit of Prime Minister António Costa (January 6-12, 2017)

- Prime Minister José Sócrates' visit to attend the 8th India-EU Summit during the 3rd Portuguese Presidency of the EU (December 2007)

- President Aníbal Cavaco Silva (January 2007)

- Visit of President Mário Soares as Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations (January 1992)

- Prime Minister Mário Soares' visit to attend the funeral of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (October 1984)

Historical Ties between India and Portugal

25 Apr, 2024, No comments

The connection between India and Portugal spans over five centuries, beginning with the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's historic voyage to Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala in May 1498. This journey marked the discovery of a direct sea route between Europe and India, revolutionizing trade across the Atlantic Ocean and the African continent. Portugal's newfound access to India's lucrative spice market propelled it to prominence as a dominant colonial trading power.

In 1502, the Portuguese established a trading hub in Kollam (formerly Quilon) in Kerala, later expanding their presence to include territories such as Diu, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Goa by 1510. Goa emerged as the epicenter of Portuguese activity in the Orient, extending from Malacca in the east to Mozambique in the west.

Following India's independence in 1947, diplomatic relations were established with Portugal in 1949. However, tensions arose in 1950 when Portugal's dictator, Antonio Salazar, refused to relinquish control of the Portuguese enclaves. The situation escalated, leading to India's military intervention under "Operation Vijay," which liberated Goa on December 19, 1961, putting an end to over four centuries of Portuguese rule. Diplomatic relations were restored following Portugal's Carnation Revolution in April 1974, culminating in the signing of a treaty on December 31, 1974, recognizing India's sovereignty over the reclaimed territories.

Despite initial challenges, bilateral engagement gained momentum in the late 20th century, marked by presidential visits in the 1990s and significant exchanges during the early 2000s, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's attendance at the first India-EU Summit in Lisbon in 2000. Subsequent reciprocal visits by Prime Ministers António Costa and Narendra Modi in 2017, along with high-level engagements in 2019 and 2020, further strengthened contemporary relations between India and Portugal.

Job opportunities for Indians in Portual

25 Apr, 2024

Portugal offers abundant job opportunities and welcomes foreign nationals to explore employment prospects across various sectors. Here's a list of lucrative job options:

1. Information Technology (IT) and Software: Portugal's tech industry is booming, constituting 10% of the nation's GDP. Skilled IT and software professionals are highly sought after to contribute to sector growth and national development.

2. Engineering: With ongoing infrastructure projects, Portugal has a significant demand for engineers in mechanical, civil, electrical, and other fields.

3. Accounting and Finance: As businesses expand, the need for finance professionals grows, offering lucrative opportunities in managing and optimizing finances.

4. Human Resource Management: Organizations require HR professionals to facilitate growth and maintain positive workplace environments, leading to ample job opportunities with competitive salaries.

5. Hospitality: Portugal's tourism sector is thriving, creating a continuous demand for hospitality professionals who contribute to the country's appeal as a tourist destination.

6. Sales and Marketing: Sales and marketing professionals play a vital role in business success by reaching wider audiences and driving growth strategies, resulting in high-demand job opportunities.

7. Healthcare: Skilled healthcare professionals are essential for providing quality patient care, leading to a constant demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospital settings.

8. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): STEM occupations are on the rise, driving innovation and addressing technological challenges across various industries.

9. Teaching: Portugal emphasizes education, leading to a consistent demand for qualified teachers in schools and educational institutions.

10. Nursing: Nurses play a critical role in maintaining population well-being, contributing to a steady demand for nursing professionals in Portugal's healthcare system.

Indian life in Portugal

24 Apr, 2024

The majority of permanent Indian-origin residents in Portugal today trace their roots back to the former Portuguese colonies of Goa, Daman, and Diu, as well as the southern Indian cities of Calicut and Kochi, which were pivotal in Portugal's historic spice trade. Additionally, Indians migrated to Portugal from African nations like Kenya, Mozambique, and Angola post-independence. More recent immigrants hail from regions such as Gujarat, Punjab, and Kerala, with a significant contingent of non-resident Indians, particularly technology professionals.

The Indian community in Portugal is predominantly located in major urban centres including Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Odemira, and Rio Maior. Over the past 15 years, bilateral trade agreements have strengthened ties between the two nations, leading to increased Indian presence and settlement in Portugal.

The historical ties between India and Portugal date back to the arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut in 1498. Despite initial tensions, da Gama's voyages laid the groundwork for further Portuguese exploration and trade in southern India, culminating in Goa becoming a pivotal hub for Portuguese trading activities. Interactions between the Portuguese and local Goanese population over four centuries fostered cultural exchange, with Goa emerging as a significant center for Portugal akin to Lisbon.

Today, Indian culture, particularly Goan culture, resonates strongly among the Indian diaspora in Portugal. Notably, Portugal's former Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, has Goan heritage. Integration between Indian and Portuguese communities is evident, with approximately 90% of Indian residents fluent in Portuguese. Portugal's recognition of Indian icons like Mahatma Gandhi, evidenced by the release of a commemorative stamp in 2019 and landmarks like Gandhi Road in Covilha and a bust in Madeira, further underscores the deepening cultural ties.

Educational institutions like the Center for Indian Studies in Lisbon play a crucial role in fostering understanding and appreciation of Indian culture through lectures and language courses. Additionally, associations such as the Portugal Hindu Youth Association, Recreational and Cultural Indo-Portuguese Association, Daman-Diu Supporters Fraternity Association, and Sura — Cultural and Ecological Movement of Goa facilitate cultural exchange and interaction between Indian and Portuguese communities.