Lisbon, April 30, 2026 (Lusa) – The secretary of state for Portuguese Communities attributed on Thursday the need for immigrants to Portugal's "success", saying they perform jobs that nationals "do not want or cannot do."

Emídio Sousa spoke at the Portugal Global Nation Forum, a strategic platform that connects Portugal, its diaspora, and international markets, held at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon.

"The success of our country is precisely that there are no longer enough Portuguese people to do certain types of services," he said, adding, "therefore, there are certain services that the Portuguese no longer do, no longer want to do, and which must be done."

He said that Portugal requires immigration to meet market needs and rejected the idea that the entry of foreigners into the country is driving wages down. He said that the country "will continue to need" foreign workers, particularly in low-skilled roles.

Sousa also said that Portugal had made progress in income levels, citing increases in the minimum and average wages in recent years, though he admitted that "it is necessary to grow much more."

He said that strengthening ties with the diaspora and attracting international investment could help improve wages by drawing foreign companies and creating new job opportunities. "We hope that, with these connections and these businesses, Portugal can have better salaries and more investment, including from companies operating from abroad," he said.

In the same panel, he dismissed the idea that the return of Portuguese emigrants should be a priority. He instead advocated a "global nation" logic, in which Portuguese citizens abroad maintain economic ties to the country. "We should not be obsessed with their return. The important thing is that they remain connected to Portugal," he said.

CLZJ/RYOL // ADB.

Lusa