The Algarve is turning to Africa to solve the labour shortage of its tourism sector.

A delegation of representatives from the Algarve tourism board (RTA) and the Portuguese office of the International Organisation for Migration (OIM Portugal) travelled to the continent this week to facilitate and speed up the hiring of foreign workers in Morocco and Cape Verde.

“Labour shortage is currently the main difficulty of Algarve tourism, and with these actions with the seal of OIM Portugal, we hope to open the doors (of the Algarve) to mitigate the different problems in terms of recruitment,” said RTA president João Fernandes.

He added that the goal is to achieve “mobility agreements that ensure good opportunities for migrant workers and that certify the respect for human rights, fighting the risks of labour exploitation and human trafficking.

This field trip to Africa started in Morocco on Tuesday and runs until Friday (July 5-8), after which the delegation will travel to Cape Verde for another four-day visit between July 12 and 15.