The most recent inflow of Indians in Portugal is that of youths from Punjabi, mostly Sikhs. Portugal became a destination for the Punjabi youths when the EEC funds started flowing in leading to a spurt in construction Industry. Most of the youths work on construction sites.
A number of them have opened restaurants and work in stores and agricultural plantations. Some have opened small firms for subcontract business; plumbing, electrical services, painting, repairs, etc.
Most of them hold Indian passports and are concentrated in Lisbon and its suburbs but are mobile and travel all over Portugal for work (Oporto, Coimbra, Faro and Guarda).
Today, due to the economic crises, most of them are unemployed and receive grants from the Portuguese government. Some of them returned to India but others are waiting to legalize their situation and get the Portuguese nationality and emigrate to other EEC countries.
Photo documentary by Portuguese photographer Fernando Mendes (Hits: 459531)
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