In these last few days, I have heard of three people I know, all in their thirties, who have emigrated, one to Scotland, one to Switzerland, one to Belgium.
These three men worked in the construction and gardening sector in the Algarve, and for a few years they even got along well and prospered, but for three years now things have been very difficult, with less work, clients no longer resorting to their services or simply not paying them. So, as soon as they had the opportunity, they left the country.
This week it was learned that, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the unemployment rate in Portugal remained, in July, at 15,7 percent, the second highest of the countries that make up this organization.
Spain is worse than us, with 25,1 percent, and after us comes Ireland, with 14,9 percent unemployment.
15,7 percent is the number for Portugal as a whole, but it is known that, in the Algarve, the region of the country most severely affected by unemployment and business failures, the rate already exceeds 20 percent. If it's not even at 25 percent.
In other words, in our region, a quarter of the population – or very close to it – has no job. And when we reach the end of September it will be seen how this rate will worsen, with many more companies closing, temporarily or permanently, because of the crisis that does not give us any respite.
Unemployment statistics do not show the reality of those who emigrate, who leave the country in search of a life at least a little better. Those who emigrate do so most of the time at their own risk, without any official entity involved, and that is why they escape the web of statistics. But everyone knows two or three people who have either already emigrated or are about to.
The youngest leave, above all, many of them with degrees, masters, doctorates that are worthless to them in Portugal, or with specializations and experience that they will try to bring to fruition in other countries.
I, who used to be an emigrant, but when I was a child, would also leave if an attractive opportunity arose. As much as you like this country of ours, sometimes, from so much rowing against the tide, a person begins to get tired. And rowing for rowing, before doing it in a country where there is the possibility of getting somewhere…
Note: This is the text of my last Thursday's chronicle on RUA FM radio, under the heading «I have Dito», which can be heard in person. here
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