The president of the High Authority for Immigration (AAI) said today that the study on foreigners and immigrants in Cape Verde estimates that they contribute 4.2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Carmem Barros was speaking on the sidelines of the XIV ordinary meeting of the National Immigration Council, as part of the presentation of the preliminary conclusions of the study on immigration, the job market and economic and business activity in Cape Verde, which is being carried out by the AAI.
According to Carmem Barros, this study, with still preliminary conclusions, brought some indications of how these immigrants are doing in some sectors in Cape Verde.
The study also concluded that around 60% of immigrants have access to social security and that the majority are self-employed. Despite this conclusion, the same source states that some inequalities still persist regarding certain groups, especially due to their origin.
In terms of the job market, economic and business activity in the country, he highlighted, “is quite positive”, but said that the perception is still that Europeans, Americans and Asians eventually have a “better position” than the Africans. The same happens with access to social security.
The study also points out that informality in terms of economic and business activity is more present among immigrants from African countries.
Regarding their integration into the archipelago, this official pointed out that the regular stay of immigrants in Cape Verde is above 80%.
Despite these positive assessments, the president of the AAI declared that some “difficulties” still persist, at a sentimental level for these immigrants, especially with regard to discrimination, which is around 30%, that is, three in ten immigrants and foreigners say who were discriminated against.
For his part, the Minister of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Fernando Elísio, highlighted a set of efforts that the Government has made and will make in favor of immigrants, including the translation service, the creation of a unit place of service in different councils, to feel “welcomed” in the country.
The government official considered, on the other hand, that there are still challenges to be achieved, in terms of the technological platform, which is in its final phase, stating that it is necessary to “guarantee” that these policy measures are sustainable and allow for the effective integration of immigrants.
Fernando Elísio took the opportunity to praise AAI for having carried out this study, which, in his view, demonstrates that Cape Verde is “concerned” with getting to know the sector and the people who live here well, so that the Government can make policies that allow the full integration of these immigrants.
“It is extremely important” to help us as counselors, to continue this path of full integration, full respect for human rights and, above all, the defense of human dignity”, he stressed.
The event, which took place in the meeting room of the Ministry of Health, at the Government Palace, was attended by representatives from various public and private institutions linked to the issue of immigration, with the aim of discussing and evaluating the country’s migration policies.
This meeting aims to reinforce dialogue and cooperation between the various stakeholders, with a view to improving integration strategies and immigration management in Cape Verde.
