One in four immigrants in Portugal works in low-productivity companies

A report by the OECD reveals that one in four immigrants in Portugal works in low-productivity companies, highlighting significant disparities in employment distribution. Only about one in nine immigrants is employed in high-productivity firms. The report indicates that immigrants are predominantly found in sectors with lower productivity, such as accommodation and food services. Despite these challenges, Portugal saw improvements in immigrant employment rates in 2025, with a 0.8 percentage point increase in employment and a decrease in unemployment. Internationally, immigrant unemployment rose in many OECD countries, contrasting with Portugal's positive trends.