Refugee camp in planning for Algarve

A refugee camp could soon take shape in the Algarve after Olhão council offered up a number of locations for the purpose as part of Portugal’s efforts in taking in some of the many thousands of refugees who have recently streamed into the EU.

in News · 02 Sep 2015, 20:47 · 9 Comments

The Red Cross had recently offered to set up a refugee camp in the village of Fuseta, which is within the county of Olhão, but alternative spots have been suggested by the local authority to prevent “harming the development of tourism.”

Portugal has said it will take in around 1,500 migrants following an appeal by the EU to its Member States in May.

More in News

Police launch motorbike operation

In News, Portugal, Crime - 24 Apr 2024, 12:05

Castro Marim leads water consumption reduction

In News, Portugal, Tourism, Algarve - 24 Apr 2024, 11:05

4 tons of meat seized

In News, Portugal, Crime - 24 Apr 2024, 10:02

Comments

this is not good.

By Ed Dalton from USA on 03 Sep 2015, 10:40

While this is commendable action from Olhao, what are they going to do once here? There is no work for the residents of Olhao and Fuseta. So will they join the beggars on the streets?

By Suzy from Algarve on 03 Sep 2015, 13:01

I think this is bad for Portugal and especially the Algarve.These camps are going to become like all the other ones in Europe.Festering breeding grounds of islamic radicalism.We have a high unemployment,where are these people going to work??The majority have and will always live off government handouts.We have to look after our own country and our own folk first.Am I being selfish?Probably,but I have spent the last 4 years tightening my belt under terrible austerity measures,like the rest of Portugal.As we are coming out,this problem raises its head.I like many others ,have sons and daughters to think about.

By jo da silva from Algarve on 03 Sep 2015, 16:07

Since when did we only think about our own sons and daughters? What kind of world it is where we can't have a little compassion for people so terrified they are prepared to risk their lives and the lives of their children? Shame on us! The Portuguese Government have agreed to take a small quota, and I'm sure they will support them through their settlement. The best the local population can do, both Portuguese and the other European immigrants who live here, is to support the refugees and welcome them with compassion.

By Realme from Algarve on 03 Sep 2015, 22:22

of course it's is not selfish to think of our jobs & our children , but this is not about "either/or" --this is about including ALL-- not about us vs. them, but about all of us together. being able to choose to feel the suffering of the world as our own suffering & release our fear-based feelings & reactions to join in solidarity to build a peaceful society where there is enough for everyone.

these people & their children will either be bombed or slaughtered in war or drown in the sea--they are not interested in taking our jobs--they are struggling to stay alive just one more day. even though i also feel financial insecurity, i still have so much more than those who have lost everything & i can't help but see my own babies in every baby who dies without hope.

this is a chance for humanity as a whole to open our hearts & join together our minds & spirits to create new paths toward abundant societies, while living as brothers in these times of great change. no, not easy but certainly a worthwhile challenge for each of us, individually, to rise above & transcend old systems of oppression & the suffering they create that can no longer serve humankind or our planet. how much more pain must we feel before we finally choose to change our tactics & take back the power of our united hearts & minds in action ?

By victoria from Algarve on 04 Sep 2015, 03:13

It is ridiculous to suggest that the proposed refugee camp in the Algarve will become a “festering breeding ground of islamic radicalism”. These refugees are themselves victims of radicalism and are not the dregs of the countries from which they flee- they’re mostly hard-working decent men and women struggling to save their families. A lot of them are educated. Far from being a threat to European societies they will be an asset. Historically refugees have become some of the most valuable, loyal citizens of the societies which accept them.
The Islamic radicals are the ones LEAVING Europe and going TO Syria, not the ones fleeing civil war as refugees.

By Will Bourne from UK on 04 Sep 2015, 14:22

Ed Dalton,
The USA Is a perfect example of having welcomed refugees/ immigrants since a very long time. These people became very instrumental to the growth and prosperity of the nation. If Europe does it likewise and give these people a second chance it will become a blessing for all involved.

By Peter Verschoor from Algarve on 04 Sep 2015, 15:24

I think this is a pretty good idea, though I think relocating families to some of the smaller towns which are said to be depopulating is probably a better longer-term option.

By Jessica from Porto on 04 Sep 2015, 18:05

Imagine your darkest hour, imagine your loneliest time, imagine the worst thing that could ever happen to you, your children, family, loved ones, then and only then will you scratch the surface of understanding how these refugees feel and what they must be experiencing. What would you do in their shoes? Reach deep into your hearts and souls knowing they are human, like all of us, we are one and the same, do not make this about the economy, money, employment, it's much much more than that! It's about being human.

By Julie Hall from Beiras on 05 Sep 2015, 22:15