The CLAIM center in Castelo Branco is primarily aimed at welcoming and integrating the migrant community in Portugal, in line with the Immigration Law and national and European public policies in the areas of migration, asylum, and equality.
The center is the result of a partnership between Amato Lusitano – Associação de Desenvolvimento (ALAD), the current High Commission for Migrations (ACM), and the municipality of Castelo Branco.
Established on October 13, 2004, CLAIM is one of the oldest and most consistent social responses in the region, remaining operational without interruption regardless of funding cycles.
In a note sent to the Lusa news agency, ALAD explained that, over its 21 years of service to migrant integration, the CLAIM “has directly supported more than 25,000 people and executed multiple municipal and national projects, involving thousands of participants.”
“The current profile of migrants in Castelo Branco is diverse, with a greater presence of Brazilian citizens, from PALOP [Portuguese-speaking African Countries], from South Asia, South America, and East Asia.”
ALAD also emphasized that the center has seen an increase in demand from European and North American citizens.
Throughout its two decades of existence, CLAIM has coordinated responses with a wide network of local partners, ensuring effective and humane support.
The work developed has been supported by various ALAD projects, including the Professional Insertion Office, the Escolhas Project, the Portuguese Language for Integration project, and the Local Social Development Contract.
The intervention focuses on essential areas for integration, such as access to employment, education, adult training, learning the Portuguese language and culture, as well as access to health and the promotion of active citizenship.
“In a context of growing misinformation and negative discourse on migration, CLAIM has focused on valuing interculturality and deconstructing myths and stereotypes.”
According to ALAD, the main challenges in integration continue to be the Portuguese language, sociability rules, and understanding the rights and duties of citizenship.
