A survey released by the Brazil-Europe Integration Forum (Fibe) showed that two out of ten Portuguese (21%) consider Brazilian immigration to be good for Brazil but bad for Portugal.
This opinion is more frequent in the younger age groups, with 18 to 34: 24% and 35 to 54: 26%.
The survey interviewed 800 people over 18 from each country in August this year. Respondents were approached through telephone (CATI) and online (CAWI) interviews.
The objective of the research was to assess the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilians and Portuguese about the 200 years of Brazilian Independence from Portugal, and the agenda for the coming years.
In both countries, a favorable view of Brazilian immigration to Portugal prevails and the fact that they are already the largest foreign colony in that country. 73% of Brazilians and 64% of Portuguese consider the immigration of Brazilians a good deal for both countries.
Data from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), of the Portuguese Embassy, indicate that the number of Brazilians living in Portugal grew from 81,251 in 2016 to 211,958 in April 2022.
With regard to the Law on foreigners in Portugal, which facilitated entry and access to work for Brazilians, 84% of respondents said they were in favor, while in Portugal, this favorability is 51%.
Among Brazilians with higher education and higher income, the positive opinion about the reform reaches 90%. In Portugal, young people are again the least favourable.
The survey also assessed how citizens of each country view the other. 61% of Brazilians see Portugal as a country with opportunities to improve their lives, while 5% of Portuguese see Brazil as such.
In addition, 6% of Brazilians consider Portuguese lands to be a good place to live, while 2% of Portuguese citizens consider Brazil to be a good place to live.
In most of the interviewees, Brazilians and Portuguese feel well or more or less informed about their sister country. This percentage reaches 81% among the Portuguese and adds up to 69% among Brazilians.
Source: CNN Brasil
