The official responsible for community affairs emphasized in a press statement that the Regressar Program is crucial, acknowledging the significant role of the Azorean and Madeiran communities in the Portuguese diaspora that may wish to return.
Paulo Estêvão made these remarks at the Migration Forum in Angra do Heroísmo, located on Terceira Island.
On November 12, the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition submitted a resolution to the Azorean Legislative Assembly, advocating for the inclusion of the autonomous regions in the Regressar Program to address what is regarded as a situation contrary to the constitutional principles of equality, cohesion, and national solidarity.
The press statement outlines the aim to ensure that Portuguese citizens returning to the Azores or Madeira can benefit from the Support Measure for the Return of Emigrants to Portugal (MAREP) under fully equitable conditions, similar to those who choose to return and settle on the mainland.
The regional secretary also expressed his desire for Azorean communities to thrive wherever they are, preserving their language and identity while contributing to the development of their host societies.
He also addressed the immigrants received in the Azores, noting progress in their integration through local initiatives on all islands.
These initiatives have been bolstered by a protocol among the Government of the Azores, the Integrated Citizen Support Network (RIAC), and the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), as well as through the extensive experience of entities like the Azorean Immigrant Association (AIPA) and Cresaçor – Solidarity Economy Cooperative, he specified.
