The role of the state in influencing African labour outcomes in Spain and Portugal

Abstract

The literature on recent trends in immigration in Europe has stressed the change in migration balances in Southern Europe, from centres of emigration to immigration. This literature generally considers Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain as a relatively homogeneous European geographical region which is affected by similar immigration patterns. However, immigration into each of these countries has its own peculiarities. This paper argues that differences in immigration patterns depend heavily on the action of individual states. To support this idea, the paper compares the recent changes in immigration policies of Portugal and Spain. This illustrates two 'sensibilities' in regard to immigration. These 'sensibilities' are in turn influenced by recent historical development in both countries. Using interview material from African workers, employers and key local informants in three Iberian regions (namely, Girona in northern Catalunya, Algarve in southern Portugal and the Península de Setúbal on the Lisbon outskirts), the paper explores the consequences of these two different immigration approaches on African labour outcomes. It is shown that Spanish laws hamper upward professional mobility amongst African workers, whereas Portuguese immigration rules are less restrictive. It concludes that the action of the state is a key element in explaining dissimilarities in African patterns of employment in Portugal and Spain. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.