The International E-Conference on ‘Migration, Diasporas and Sustainable Development: Perspectives, Policies, Opportunities and Challenges’, jointly organized by the Migrant Forum in Asia(MFA), the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) and theCenter for Research on North America (CISAN), was organised from November 2 to November 5, 2020.
The second plenary session of the event took place on November 4th, 2020. It was coordinated by Ms. Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Migration Governance Analyst and Development Economist, and chaired by Professor Binod Khadria from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The session was inaugurated by Claudia Pereira’s keynote address, who is currently State Secretary for Integration and Migration in the Portuguese administration. It was then followed by the discussion of three other panelists.
“We should treat immigrants as we would like Portuguese abroad to be treated”
In her keynote address, Ms. Pereira focused on Portugal as a prime example of diaspora engaging with the host country. Portugal is a country historically recognized for its emigration, as 22% of the population is abroad. However, in recent years, migration numbers have increased, demanding for new policies for integration. The Portuguese administration has taken important steps towards this direction, which has given them international recognition as a champion country in migration management.
As Ms. Pereira explained, Portugal has specific conditions given its small population size. Just like other European countries, Portuguese population growth has been highly dependent on migrants, which is fundamental given its aging population. Contrary to popular belief, migrants contribute to the country’s social security more than they benefit from it, and this is because most of them are young and economically active. The current administration has in fact focused on creating statistical data regarding this issue, in order to combat social stigma against immigrants and recognize their contribution to the country.
She also highlighted some of the integration policies that have been implemented under the current administration, that focus on equality and the construction of a common identity. The first one ensures all people have equal rights and equal opportunities, while the second one allows them to develop a sense of belonging to the host society. They have also implemented mechanisms of representation, such as an advisory body that represents migrants and refugees, effective since 1998.
Due to its migration policies, Portugal has been recognised by the United Nations as a champion country in the global competition for migration. However, as Ms. Pereira detailed, these policies are ever evolving and must be adapted to the present times. An example of this is the policy adjustments made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Small but relevant adjustments were made to ensure migrants’ health and wellbeing. For instance, migrants no longer require a residency in order to receive a social security number, a measure that has benefited over 70 thousand migrants. The government also extended the expiration date of all legal permits to March 2021, and other measures have been taken in order to provide education services in marginal areas without internet access.
She finalized her presentation thanking academia’s contributions to migration public policy, and explained that
“The measures taken to help migrants are a win-win type of policy, as they protect citizens from vulnerable situations, and they help to order and manage migration. Irregular migration is a process where everyone loses. Migrants lose their rights and protection, and society loses because xenophobia appears. Authorities also lose because it is difficult to monitor undocumented migrants.”
“Children of Diaspora”
Following the keynote speech, the discussion was started by Judith Bokser Misses Liwerant, Professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She initiated explaining her own story of exile, and how migration is part of our human nature, as we are always moving. While concepts like globalization, diaspora, and transnationalization have been useful, new concepts have emerged due to a new shaping reality, that help us to better grasp new characteristics and specificities.
She also explained how diasporas can engage differently with their country of origin, ranging from an economic relationship based on remittances, to an identity based engagement that creates a new global space of community. Finally, she also highlighted the role of diaspora in democracy building-processes, typical from Latin America after the military regimes that many countries experienced.
The next presentation was given by Professor Maria Amelia Viteri from the University of San Francisco de Quito. Her address focused on integration efforts of women from Latin America living in the Washington Metropolitan Area, that use Paulo Freire’s pedagogy to increase migrants’ social, health and emotional wellbeing. Through an organization called Madre Tierra, they have managed to support migrants for over 15 years, giving language and translation services and immigration assistance. Other efforts have been made in order to strengthen community networks, as well as sexual and reproductive rights. They also take care of gender-based violence victims, helping them to create their own narrative that moves past the idea of victim and enhances their social agency.
The last intervention was made by Professor Andres Solimano, Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Globalization and Development. From his point of view, we are moving towards the entanglement of different crises, initiating with the health crisis worldwide, followed by new economic and social crises as we have never experienced before.
He explained that the overlapping of these events will also affect our understanding of migration, which has been conceived as a combination of pulling and pushing factors. However, recipient countries experience great economic contractions, the pulling effect will decrease, so we must pay attention to migration fluctuations and diaspora engagement in light of these events. If the correct measures are in place, diasporas can actually enhance economic contributions, by facilitating international trade, transfer of knowledge and skills, as well as remittances. But benefits for origin and host societies require international cooperation and institutional frameworks.
After the three interventions, the panelist responded to a series of questions posed by participants, reflecting on the responsibilities of receiving and sending states, transnational spaces, and inequalities amongst migrants. Professor Viteri also explained the complexity of diaspora identities and how different identities can engage opposite with recipient communities. An example of this is how LGBT venezuelans are treated in Ecuador:
“Some of our initial findings show that…they feel less discriminated against because they are LBGT, and more discriminated against because of their country of origin. Migrants shared with us that Ecuadorians would not allow them to rent an apartment because of their accent or they would be mistreated. This has been exacerbated in the context of COVID-19”
In this sense, all panelists agreed that the pandemic has made immigrants even more vulnerable, which calls with more urgency for a humanitarian approach to migration and integration.
Finally, Professor Khadria made some concluding observations, looking at the Bangladeshi diaspora in India as an example of diaspora engagement. He also emphasized the importance of creating pathways to integration, as migrants’ contributions do not stop on the economic elements, but they also help with their skills and professions, as doctors and paramedics are helping with COVID-19 in the present times. He finished thanking all attendees and participants of the session.
Melissa H. Jasso has collaborated with CISAN and the University of Toronto researching Mexican high-skilled migration in North America. She is currently completing her studies at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Twitter: (@jotadoblesse)