Abstract
Portugal has been recognised internationally for implementing migrant friendly policies, occupying the first place in the UN Report and second in MIPEX. Yet, there are several questions to be raised regarding the recognition and valorisation of diversity and difference. In this paper we take a historical approach to analyse how migration policies have been conceived and evolved in Portugal. The methodological approach includes documental analysis and secondary sources.
MIPEX in use
More recently, the good evaluation of Portuguese migration polices has boosted up the national imaginary, picturing Portugal internationally as an opened and welcoming country for immigrants. Reports carried out by the United Nations, the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and the European Union ranked Portugal on the top of best integration policies. Further on, academic studies state that despite of the economical crisis and the increase of anti-immigration sentiments overall in Europe, Portugal has been able to maintain “its integration guiding principles while promoting the richness of cultural diversity and dialogue” (Horta & Gonçalves de Oliveira, 2014, p. 10).
