The “I want to go back to my mother’s arms” is becoming more real for the Portuguese in Germany

The Portuguese community residing in German territory fears a decrease in the quality of life in that country in the coming years.

Pedro Abrunhosa sang: “Germany is so gray / and I miss you so much (…) I want to go back to my mother’s arms”. However, the gloomy German climate now seems to be the least of the problems for the Portuguese who emigrated there.

A survey conducted by the Association of Portuguese Postgraduates in Germany (ASPPA), released this Saturday, reveals growing concern about the political situation which can lead to a decrease in quality of life, and a worsening of the way in which emigrants are perceived.

In this study, 59% of respondents stated that they felt a worsening in the way emigrants are treated or viewed in German society in recent years.

The number drops when asked about discrimination in the workplace associated with Portuguese nationality. Of those questioned, 67% say they have never felt discrimination, 22% say yes, and 11% say they have not been a direct victim, but have already witnessed it.

Around 200 Portuguese people living in Germany responded to the survey. To reach community members, ASPPA used social media, writing in more than 20 groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. In addition to the newsletters and the help of consulates, messages were also sent to more than 50 associations spread across the country.

A Most participants have lived in Germany for more than seven years and completed higher education.

The majority, 47.3%, admit to feeling well received by the local community, 26.6% very well received, and 7.7% confess that they do not feel welcome.

When asked about their connection to the Portuguese community in Germany, 36% of respondents said they did not feel any connection, 27% said they did not know an active community in the area where they live, and 37% said they felt connected to the Portuguese community.

In addition to consular services, 60% of Portuguese people living in Germany admit that they do not use other institutions or associations.

About what improve support for emigrantsthe interviewees point out:

• consular services;
• the lack of support for integration;
• and gaps in the teaching of the Portuguese language.

A reduced quality of life and job opportunities are the two biggest concerns of the Portuguese people who participated in this study.

And summer never comes again…