Portugal
Social services for migrants derive from a set of public measures feasible out of the creation of concrete spaces, which provide support in the process of integration and inclusion. Such services are designed towards the orientation of women and men, which denotes a gap in the approach of the gender perspective. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify some measures aimed at protecting women that we will identify in point (iii).
The structure created for the provision of social services is systematized as follows: (i) Creation of an integrated network of services; (ii) Design of programs directed to target audiences and (iii) Legal protection of specific circumstances.
In (i) Ordinance nº 203/2016, of July 25th created the National Network of Support for the Integration of Migrants (RNAIM). This Network is integrated by the National and Local Support Centers for the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM and CLAIM). These spaces operate at the national and local levels, through integrated service centers, which include general information, support in regularization, how to obtain nationality, labor rights, family reunification, housing, voluntary return, education, and health. Through them, we intend to establish a proximity service, promoting an articulation of local structures in order to allow a faster integration and solution to problems. From the case studies, the importance of the role played by student associations, family networks, and religious entities emerged, highlighting the multi-sectoral nature of integration.
In point (ii) two specific programs are of note. The first, approved by Resolution nº. 151/2018, of November 22th, which implemented the Choices program. Its mission is to promote the social inclusion of children and young people in vulnerable contexts, particularly descendants of migrants. One of the main goals is to prevent and oppose all forms of discrimination and violence between boys and girls, where traditional harmful practices, gender identity or violence are prominent. A second measure arose with Law 67/2004 of March 25th which created a national registry for foreign minors so that they can be guaranteed health care and education.
In (iii) Law Nº. 93/2017 of August 2th stands out, containing measures to prevent, prohibit and oppose discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, color, nationality, ancestry or territory of origin. This instrument is monitored by the Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination, which oversees issues related to social protection, social benefits, education, access to goods and services, and culture. The gender perspective is more evident here through the synergies created with the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality and the Commission for Equality in Labor and Employment. It is also worth mentioning the role of APAV in the reception of migrant women, whether or not their situation is regularized.
The women interviewed noted the slowness of the processes, but indicated access to education grants or the substitution of the State in the exercise of parental responsibilities when there is a defaulting parent as a facilitating factor.
To conclude this chapter, we make available to the students the following success story of a migrant woman in Portugal entitled “The education of sons and daughters as a life project”, available at https://viw.pixel-online.org/case_view.php?id=Mzg=. This success story shows the life of a woman whose main goal is to guarantee her children’s educational opportunities to continue their studies. The need to support the inclusion of children from an immigrant background in school is also mentioned in the success story "From a dark city to a city of smiles!" available at https://viw.pixel-online.org/case_view.php?id=NTY=.
References
Promoção da Interculturalidade e da Integração de Proximidade – Manual para técnicos [Promotion of Interculturality and Integration of Proximity – Manual for technicians]
https://www.acm.gov.pt/documents/10181/41781/manual_net+%282%29_claii.pdf/a4e41597-2701-41ab-b321-9647823cdb40
This Manual combines the reflection and knowledge of a macro and theoretical-conceptual nature of the academy with reflection and micro knowledge, anchored in experience and in-depth knowledge of the problems, held by the techniques and technicians who develop activities in the field of the integration of immigrants at the local level.
Guia de Acolhimento para Migrantes [Reception Guide for Migrants]
https://www.acm.gov.pt/documents/10181/0/Guia+de+Acolhimento+para+Migrantes/26d16add-11ef-4330-beb8-04ae262ad72b
This Reception Guide for Migrants is an essential tool for everyone who, on the ground, seeks to contribute to improving the integration of foreigners who choose Portugal as a country for their life projects.