Collaboration with an anthropologist in Portugal. including photographs and interviews of local Indian agricultural workers who work and live in a small village called ‘Odemira.’ Understanding the cause, living and working conditions the Indian immigrants face while working abroad.
Leaving one's homeland is always an emotional and challenging experience. For me, and the Indian community, it was no different when they decided to immigrate from India to Portugal. The thought of leaving behind my family, friends, and everything familiar can be daunting. However, they believed moving to Portugal was necessary for a better life.
The customs and traditions in Portugal were completely different from what they were used to in India. They had to learn new social norms, understand the Portuguese language, and adjust to their new way of living.
The customs and traditions in Portugal were completely different from what they were used to in India. They had to learn new social norms, understand the Portuguese language, and adjust to their new way of living.
Hinduism is the dominant religion, while Portugal is predominantly Catholic. It can be challenging to navigate the different beliefs and traditions when moving to a new country. The cultural shock can be overwhelming, especially regarding religious practices. For instance, in India, it's common for people to have shrines or temples in their homes, but this may not be acceptable in shared accommodations in Portugal while sharing accommodations with Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus.
One of the biggest challenges faced by immigrants from India who move to Portugal is the issue of working without legal documentation. Many individuals who migrate to Portugal are forced to work in low-paying jobs or even in the underground economy due to a lack of proper work permits. This not only puts them at risk of exploitation and abuse by employers but also makes it difficult for them to access basic rights and benefits like healthcare, social security, and education.