Exploratory study of the immigrant population and identification of their problems and their contributions to the development dynamics of the Municipality of Trofa

Reference: 0020/FI/A3/P3/09

Coordinator for the proposing institution: Juliana Moreira Azevedo (Trofa City Council)

Scientific coordinators: Manuel Carlos Silva e Alice Maria Delerue Matos

Research team: Rita Borges das Neves

Proposing institution: Trofa City Council

External consultants: Jorge Malheiros (UL/ACIDI)

Funding Institutions: FEINPT, Trofa City Council

Keywords: immigration, social inequalities, social integration, development

Objectives: (i) to know the immigrant communities of Trofa (specific dimension and comparative dimension), their characteristics, difficulties and potential; (ii) to evaluate the immigrants’ integration level, particularly in the local scope. This will contribute to a reflection focused on the adjustment of the local integration policies.

Results: (i) demographic, socio-professional, cultural and relational characterisation of Trofa’s immigrant population; (ii) identification of the major deficiencies in the access and use of public and private services by the immigrants; (iii) quantitative and qualitative economic contribution of the immigrants; (iv) identification of racist, xenophobic and discriminatory practices and the immigrants’ perception of these; (v) identification and characterisation of the organisations of the immigrants or those that involve a significant number of immigrants at a local level.

Duration: 2009 – 2010