The number of Angolan citizens residing in Portugal has seen a significant increase of over 50% in the past 10 years, from 20,366 in 2012 to 31,435 in 2022, according to data released by the
Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).
In 2012, Angola was among the top five most represented nationalities in Portugal, after Brazil, Ukraine, Cape Verde, and Romania. Ten years later, another 11,069 Angolans chose Portugal as their place of residence, with over half opting for Lisbon (17,440), followed by Setúbal (5,821) and Porto (2,285). Braga (905), Santarém (893), and Coimbra (712) had fewer than a thousand Angolans living there, while Madeira (40), Azores (41), Porto Alegre (57), and Guarda (59) had the lowest number of Angolan residents.
Data for the last year show that most Angolans residing in Portugal are young people between 20 and 39 years old, totaling 12,158 citizens. Angolans between 40 and 64 years old (10,150 citizens) were the second-largest age group residing in Portugal in 2022. At least 7,071 Angolans up to the age of 19 resided in Portugal in the last year, including 308 Angolans aged 80 and over.
SEF also reported that 54 Angolans made requests for international protection in 2022, but they were not accepted by the Portuguese immigration authorities due to being “unfounded.”
While the increase in the number of Angolans in Portugal might come as a surprise to some, it is not entirely unexpected. Angola has long-standing historical and cultural ties with Portugal. Portuguese is also the official language in Angola, making it easier for Angolans to integrate into Portuguese society. The rising number of Angolans in Portugal can be attributed to several factors, including economic and political instability in Angola, a lack of employment opportunities, and the prospect of better living standards and education opportunities in Portugal.
The Angolan community in Portugal has also made significant contributions to Portuguese society, including in the areas of culture, music, and sport. The growing Angolan population has also led to an increase in demand for Angolan food and products, leading to the establishment of several Angolan businesses in Portugal.
It is important to note that the increase in the number of Angolans residing in Portugal is not unique. Portugal has been a popular destination for immigrants from around the world for several years now, with the country’s welcoming attitude towards foreigners and its relatively low cost of living being significant draws.
In conclusion, the number of Angolans residing in Portugal has increased significantly in the past decade, with over 50% more Angolans living in the country than in 2012. While the increase might come as a surprise to some, it can be attributed to several factors, including economic and political instability in Angola, a lack of employment opportunities, and the prospect of better living standards and education opportunities in Portugal. The growing Angolan population has also made significant contributions to Portuguese society, and the trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Photo by abdallahh from Montréal, Canada, Wikimedia commons.