Paper short abstract:

Keywords: Nepali Migration, Portuguese agriculture, Residency Card, COVID-19 Impact

Paper long abstract:

Abstract

In this ethnographic-based research, I will explore the influencing factors of Nepali migration to Portugal and follow the trajectories of migrant Nepali agriculture workers in pursuing the Portuguese residence card. Cardko Lagi is a project and a prospect; the card is perceived as a 'magic key' for a better future and expanded opportunities for the next generation. Achieving it involves identified and unidentified trajectories; among them is the option for performing unskilled work in the Portuguese intense-agriculture business. This project will address the experience of Nepali migrants in Portugal who work or have worked in agriculture as manual labourers and discuss the personal, physical, emotional, and social costs of their endeavour: the harshness of agricultural work, the negotiation of their living conditions while at the farms, the experience of racism, xenophobia and increased health vulnerabilities, including (COVID-19). Research results will also contribute to understanding current trends in intensive agriculture and migrant labour recruitment in Southern Portugal.

Keywords: Nepali Migration, Portuguese agriculture, Residency Card, COVID-19 Impact