Traditional Migrant Associations and Other Social Networks of Portuguese Diaspora

Portuguese emigration has in recent decade increased substantially and has diversified its range of destinations. Recent emigration, predominantly to the EU and Lusophone countries, complemented the traditional wages of migration to the Americas. Based on a survey of more than 3000 diaspora organisations this paper will show how migrant engagement policies and practices are evolving and dealing with the new types of diaspora associations, organisations and institutions. A tentative typology of the components of these Portuguese diaspora systems and his nodes is presented. We intend to open a discussion regarding the means and forms of mobilising emigrant groups and how homeland politics is dealing with contemporary diaspora claims.