ABSTRACT
This article presents an overview of the immigrant communities in Portugal, a country with a long tradition of emigration which has now become an entry point into the EU and a net importer of labour. It examines the integration process into Portuguese society with particular reference to the labour market. The question of racist attitudes and tolerance to foreigners is discussed, and an assessment made of immigration legislation, including the asylum laws. It is argued that as Portugal’s immigrant policy has been ‘Europeanized’ (in line with EU arrangements), so it has posed awkward questions concerning the country’s handling of its immigrant communities.
