(ForUm) - Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk, who is currently paying a visit to Portugal, discussed with Portuguese Internal Minister Antonio Costa employment of Ukrainian migrants. According to Borys Tarasyuk an agreement between Ukraine and Portugal on permanent migration of Ukrainian citizens to Portugal, active since March 2005, is not effective now, reports Trend.
"There is an agreement, but there is no ways of its fulfillment," Borys Tarasyuk said. However, according to the Foreign Minister problem will be solved in the near future. Borys Tarasyuk noted that Portuguese Internal Minister noted the bill on immigration is, presently, considered by the Portuguese Assembly and is supposed to be passed in December - January. The bill will enable Ukrainian migrants to submit their CVs to job agencies.
According to Borys Tarasyuk, another meeting between the Ukrainian and Portuguese delegations is slated for December 5 to 7 in Lisbon on reaching an agreement on social protection of Ukrainians, residing in Portugal.
In turn Chief of the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal Mariya Dets informed that about 50,000 Ukrainians, out of the total 150,000, who reside in Portugal have already legalized. Those Ukrainians have rights for health protection and real estate acquisition. Ukrainians pay taxes to the Portuguese budget and, in view of this, obtain certain guarantees.
Borys Tarasyuk noted that Portugal Internal Minister Antonio Costa promised to enhance a procedure of signing the relevant agreement. However, this matter is not that simple as it may seem, as Portuguese High Educational Institutions don't welcome foreign experts' presence in Portugal.