istics indicate that foreign workers are making unprecedented contributions to Portugal’s Social Security coffers with immigrant social contributions reaching record levels in recent years. In 2024, immigrant contributions alone amounted to approximately €3.6 billion, representing more than 12% of total Social Security inflows despite immigrants making up around 10% of the population. These contributions come from a broad spectrum of workers with Brazilian nationals accounting for the largest share of immigrant Social Security payments followed by workers from India, Nepal, Cabo Verde and Angola. Net Positive Impact on Public Finances Economists and policy analysts say that the gap between contributions and benefits reflects a net positive impact of immigrant workers on the sustainability of Portugal’s Social Security system. After subtracting the cost of benefits received, foreign contributors leave a significant surplus in the order of more than €3 billion annually bolstering Portugal’s ability to fund pensions, unemployment support and other social programs. This net contribution is particularly noteworthy given Portugal’s aging population and rising dependency ratio, where a growing share of retirees rely on Social Security payouts funded by a shrinking base of active workers. Immigrant labour has helped offset some of these demographic pressures by expanding the workforce and adding to the pool of contributors. Sectoral and Economic Context Immigrant workers are increasingly visible in key sectors of the Portuguese economy including agriculture, hospitality and retail, in some cases making up a significant share of the workforce. In certain industries, foreign contributors now represent a substantial portion of total employees, highlighting their role in sustaining labour intensive economic activity. Analysts note that these contributions go beyond Social Security alone, as immigrants also pay income taxes, value added taxes and other levies that contribute to public finances at national and local levels. Shift in Public Debate The publication of these figures has sparked discussion in political and public spheres about the role of immigration in Portugal’s demographic and economic strategy. While some critics argue for tighter immigration controls, supporters point to the fiscal benefits highlighted by the data and call for policies that further integrate foreign workers into the labour market. Policy makers have underscored that Portugal’s openness to labour migration has helped address workforce shortages and strengthen financial contributions to its social safety net, aligning with broader economic priorities amid demographic challenges. As Portugal continues to grapple with demographic shifts and the long term sustainability of its social systems, the contribution of immigrant workers is likely to remain a central element of economic and policy discussions. The data showing immigrants contribute far more in Social Security payments than they receive underscores their growing fiscal significance and the complex role of immigration in shaping the nation’s future social and economic landscape.