The implementation of the worker mobility agreement between Portugal and Morocco should take place this year and a protocol will be signed with the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal (CAP), said the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Ana Mendes Godinho, alongside the Moroccan minister who is in charge of Economic Inclusion and Employment.

The meeting that preceded the announcement to the media, at the Ministry of Labour, was considered “very fruitful” by both government officials and served to define the next steps to guarantee the arrival of workers and “decent employment”.

Ana Mendes Godinho guaranteed that the signing of the agreement between Portugal and Morocco reflects the vision that the two leaders share on employment and human rights.

Moroccan workers will have the opportunity to undergo a period of training before travelling to Portugal, where they will learn the language and culture, according to the statements of the two ministers.

The Portuguese and Moroccan employment agencies will articulate the work necessary for Moroccan workers to travel to Portugal and be integrated into the labour market, “under the best conditions”.

According to Ana Mendes Godinho, this is “a good opportunity” for both countries.

“We decided, together, to launch a pilot project that starts right now, involving 400 workers in agriculture”, in a regulated way that benefits all parties, said the minister.

In Portugal, specific areas in need of manpower are identified, as well as the way in which it will take place.

For the Moroccan minister, the agreement represents “a new generation” of agreements for “decent employment”, in response to the needs of the Portuguese economy and in respect of human rights.