These communities are also identified as those that suffer the most discrimination, according to a survey of 1,200 Portuguese people promoted by the Jewish Community of Lisbon (CIL).
The survey aimed to assess how the Portuguese perceive the Jewish community and other communities present in Portugal, including Roma, Muslims, Brazilians, Africans, people from South Asia, Chinese, Ukrainian refugees, expatriates, and digital nomads.
Almost half of those interviewed consider the contribution of Jews to the development of Portugal to be positive, only 3% claim to know the Jewish community well, and almost half of those interviewed admit that events in Israel affect the image of Jews in general.
Although most respondents say they have heard of antisemitism, 19% have never heard of the term, and only 40% identify antisemitism as hostility or prejudice against Jews.
Also, regarding Zionism, 40% of respondents say they do not know the term, according to the study.
The responses show that Portugal continues to be a society favourable to coexistence between different cultures and religions, with about 68% of respondents stating that they feel comfortable living with people of cultures or religions different from their own, and 92% defending that cultural and religious diversity should be accepted as long as fundamental values are respected.
Among the respondents, who answered the survey between May and June of this year, a neutral perception predominates – “neither safe nor unsafe” – regarding these communities, but there are differences regarding some that are seen more positively, such as Ukrainian communities, and others more negatively, such as Roma, Muslims, and Africans.
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Actions always speak louder than words. If you see a perticular culture doing unacceptable things - budding into social support lines, demanding things, causing chaos at supermarkets while the security guards gather around, taking over unoccupied homes, trying to scam tourists, selling drugs... etc, if these things are done predominantly by people of certain cultures, then yes, the general population will look at,them - not only negatively, but politically as well. This will obviously hurt those from these cultures that are decent people.
By Paul Neto from Algarve on 21 Jun 2026, 10:38
This article is unclear. The introduction, conclusion and overall content make no sense. The article fails to bring across a clear and consistent message. Where is the survey and the data that substantiates the introductory paragraph:"Portugal is a society that favours coexistence between different cultures, although Roma residents, people originating from South Asia, and Muslims are seen as communities that contribute the least to the country's development, according to a survey." and the rest of the article?
By Min from Lisbon on 21 Jun 2026, 10:43
The article is full of contradictions. On the one hand, it claims the Portuguese are tolerant and open-minded about people from different countries, cultures and religions. It then goes on to suggest there are prejudices against Muslims and Africans, drawing on these groups being seen to contribute the least to Portuguese society. A person can only reach that latter conclusion once they've studied all relevant evidence, rather than simply cast aspersions on others based on ignorance of the facts.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 21 Jun 2026, 10:52
“…although Roma residents, people originating from South Asia, and Muslims are seen as communities that contribute the least to the country's development, according to a survey.”
These people have no intention of assimilating into the Portuguese culture. They expect everyone else to assimilate into their culture.
By Joe from USA on 21 Jun 2026, 11:00
I totally agree with JOE. These people will never assimilate.
By L from Lisbon on 22 Jun 2026, 19:01