This blog has already covered the benefits at a macro level for Portugal and Madeira. Such as strengthening a weak demographic situation due to an aging population and low birth rates. Supplementing local manpower shortages, both skilled and unskilled. Making a huge contribution to social security income, and taking comparatively little money out …. and much more.
Aside from all the benefits and positive aspects of a single harmonious community, living and working together, what other wins and loses are the Madeiran community likely to see?
There are online platforms developing, targeting immigrants for products and services. These seemingly are being set-up and administered by other immigrants, although probably not 100%. These are certainly available in the English language, and maybe others too. Is this going to replicate what has already happened in other locations in other countries heavily populated with immigrants?
So is the immigrant community starting to serve itself with such services, and turning less to madeiran businesses for their needs?
This could potentially be a significant loss to local businesses, as these customers traditionally have a higher disposable income than locals. These services often relate to construction or building rectification matters, and therefore are typically works of relatively high values.
On the other hand, is there a Madeiran presence in these groups, who see an opportunity that might be motivated knowing that they can charge higher prices by serving immigrants?
With the situation of a deeper divide happening very quickly, and changing behaviours of locals, could this impact on tourism in a negative way?
Immigrants are generally thought by locals as being rich, owning the best houses in the best and safest locations. It may well be generally true, but not always! Often these immigrants can afford to, and want to, help in the local community. Supporting people, animals, local events and probably many more good causes.
Even those who do not have much disposable income can help in other ways, however big or small. From animal rescue and care, to beach cleaning, or even organising fund raising and local events. Evidence of this can often be found in the social media with immigrant organisers seeking volunteers for good causes.
Immigrants often have much needed special expertise or skills, that can be hard to find elsewhere or can be expensive locally. Retired doctors, construction specialists, special needs for children or care of the sick or elderly, to name just a few possibilities.
Then there are those with specialist knowledge or skills who might be willing to share that knowledge. It may be a foreign chef, a musician, a sports coach, a retired teacher, or someone who speaks other languages, to name just a few possibilities.
Probably all these potentially valuable resources are being lost, just because they are immigrants. It makes no sense!
Purposely segregating immigrants is also sad for them. Many come with expectations of a good life, with integrating with the local community being one of those expectations.
In times where local labour is hard to find, in agriculture for example, immigrant neighbours may provide a cheap or even free labour solution when the time critical grape picking season is in full flow for example.
Many immigrants come to Madeira with the intention of starting new businesses, or expanding existing ones in a new territory. It can’t be guaranteed of course, but often they pay better wages and benefits, provide proper training and very importantly respect their employees as part of a team. Unlike many local employers who will pay the minimum possible, treat you like a slave, and fire you when they fall on hard times. Madeiran bosses often show disregard for Portuguese labour laws.
So those are some possible wins for integrating with immigrants.
The possible losses for local people …. well, just read the above again with a negative perspective!
Healing Madeira 