Political party, New Right Madeira, has raised what it describes as “serious concerns” over the alleged use of employment contracts by foreign nationals seeking to regularise their residency status.
In a statement, the party said it had received reports from business owners alleging that, after signing an employment contract, some workers failed to report for work but continued to demand payment, sometimes threatening to lodge a complaint.
The party also claimed that some people hold employment contracts with one establishment while working elsewhere, without the activity being properly declared or the required tax and social security contributions being paid.
“The New Right considers that, if confirmed by the authorities, these situations must be investigated urgently. We cannot allow business owners to be harmed, pressured or threatened by those seeking to circumvent employment and administrative regulations,” said Paulo Azevedo, coordinator of New Right Madeira.
Azevedo called on the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) to carry out rigorous checks on the authenticity of employment contracts submitted in support of residency applications. He also urged the agency to work closely with the Regional Labour Inspectorate and other relevant authorities.
“AIMA must confirm that the contracts submitted correspond to genuine and effective employment relationships, while the inspection authorities must verify that the work is actually being carried out, that all obligations are being met and that employment legislation is being respected,” he said. “This is not a question of nationality, but of enforcing the law”.
“Those who come to Madeira to work legally and respect our rules must be treated with respect. However, those who use fraudulent contracts, work outside the law or threaten business owners must be identified, held accountable by the relevant authorities and expelled from the country,” Azevedo said.
New Right Madeira said it would remain “vigilant and available” to forward any properly substantiated complaints or information it receives to the relevant authorities.
“Madeirans have the right to live and work in a region where the law is respected by everyone, without exception,” the party concluded.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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