Portuguese Migrant Worker Experiences in Northern Ireland's Market Town Economy

Post-millennium Portuguese migrant worker flow has seen Northern Ireland emerge as a focal point. Several thousand migrants have been recruited by employment agencies to work in the region's agricultural harvesting/food processing industries. This article outlines experiences of key migration players in the market towns of Duingannon and Portadown. Analysis shows the Portuguese worker has had significant impact in supplementing and segmenting the local labour market. Problems have emerged and communities have belatedly responded; some attempt has been made to integrate these workers more closely into work and social arenas. However, it is argued that this is a slow process and many Portuguese in Northern Ireland remain in a state of flux.