Indonesians, the new fishermen in Portugal

Around 500 Indonesians are currently working as fishermen in the north of Portugal, particularly in Póvoa de Varzim, where they already represent around 85% of the workforce in the fisheries sector.

The workers arrive with specific vocational training in fisheries, with the employers paying travelling expenses and food and board. Some live on the boats, often in unsuitable conditions, while others live in shared houses provided by their employers.

With long and demanding hours at sea, most of them send their entire salary, between 600 and 700 euros, to their families in Indonesia. Many of these workers are legal in Portugal, but are unable to fully carry out their work because the authorities do not issue the necessary maritime licence.

This situation occurs in a context of a growing shortage of Portuguese workers in the fishing sector, caused by low salaries, harsh conditions and long working hours. As a result, shipowners and boat owners have increasingly resorted to hiring Indonesian migrants.

‘If it hadn't been for this solution of bringing in workers from Indonesia and other countries, the sector would have come to a standstill,‘ Humberto Jorge, president of the National Association of Purse Seine Fishing Producers’ Organizations (Anopcerco), told Lusa.

Outside of work, Indonesian fishermen form a united community, supporting each other on a daily basis.

In their free time, when they're not at sea or resting on their boats, they like to play ball, walk around the city and participate in local events, integrating themselves into the life of the community.