Successful Integration & Positive Impact
Representation · Integration · Vision
The Context
Foreign residents now make up over 14% of Portugal's population - more than 1.5 million people, that's around 1 in 7 of the national community. We contribute billions in revenue to the social system, build businesses, raise families, and invest our lives here. Yet - in good times and bad - there is no single, unifying and authoritative voice at the country's stakeholder negotiating table.
Until now.
01
We hope to sit at the table where decisions are made — lobbying government, engaging AIMA, and giving every foreign resident the sense of 'a seat in the civic conversation'.
02
We intend to build bridges between communities and institutions, making Portugal characteristically welcoming at every administrative, cultural, and social level.
03
We will look beyond any immediate crises to respectfully help shape a Portugal where diversity is a national strength - economically, socially, and politically.
Our Coalition
Uniting communities from every country who have made Portugal their home.
Representing the economic contribution of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
Honoring the diverse spiritual communities that enrich Portugal's social fabric.
Amplifying the voice of civil society organisations working on the ground.
Portuguese citizens who share our vision of a tradition-respecting, win-win Portugal.
A Taste of the Conversation
Foreign-focused headlines spotted by Carl — a glimpse of the stories shaping life for foreigners in Portugal.
Landslide-triggered flash floods in Nepal have killed around 160 people, including one Portuguese citizen, with another still missing. The tragedy underscores the risks facing foreign nationals and tourists in the disaster zone.
The Nepali community in Portugal (NIALP) is appealing for donations after catastrophic floods swept Nepal. Relief efforts are underway, and supporters are urged to contribute through the official disaster relief fund.
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Welink Energy, operator of the 219MW Solara4 plant, faces insolvency with €84 million in debt. Falling production and wildfire damage have hit Portugal's largest solar installation, raising concerns for the renewable sector.
A new non-partisan think tank, Instituto Progresso, has launched in Portugal. Led by MP Miguel Costa Matos, it aims to promote evidence-based public policy and foster debate beyond traditional party lines.
Portugal's blood reserves have fallen to critical lows over the summer. FEPODABES reports shortages across collection centres, while IPST disputes the severity, leaving hospitals bracing for continued pressure on supplies.
Portugal is reinstating full-time biometric data collection at airports to meet EU security obligations. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro confirmed the move, ending limited-hours checks and bringing border controls into line with bloc-wide requirements.
Get Involved
Add your name to the register of founding supporters. Your details will never be shared. We will contact you occasionally to update you on project progress.
Voices of the Network
Foreign residents share what Portugal means to them — listen to their stories, in their own voices.
“What I love about life in Portugal is the calmness, above all. Life in Portugal is grounded — it comes through in their music, their food, the family connections.”
Bob Wenger
American, living in Portugal
“I've been here 30 years and they still know I'm not from here. But community here means the lady next door brought me Coca-Cola at 10 o'clock at night when I was sick.”
Lidia
South African, 30 years in Portugal
“If Portugal was a person, it would be the welcoming grandmother that welcomes you with cups of tea and sandwiches and cakes and olive oil and wine. It's like coming home after being away for a long time.”
Mama Bear McGowan
Reverend, immigrant in Portugal
Carl · Founder & Coordinator
A Word from the Founder
After nearly ten years in Portugal - loving the life I have built here with my family - it still comes as a surprise to me that there is no obvious focal point for the country's rapidly-growing foreign population.
I have decided to assess the feasibility of such an organisation over the next few months that brings together individuals, organisations, companies, and Portuguese allies to not only fill the gap, but make a positive difference.
The network (working title) is not built from frustration. Whilst there are challenges that might be better addressed collectively, the overall aim - as I see it - is to honour the culture we are delighted to call home, and add to it - respectfully and sensitively.
"This, if it works, will be a win-win for all concerned, foreign and native, who have a stake in a positive, pro-active future."
Book a Conversation with Carl