The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Sunday indicating that, so far, “there are no situations warranting alarm” among the Portuguese community residing in Venezuela.

“As part of its mission to provide ongoing support to the Portuguese Community, the Embassy and the Consulate Generals are in continuous contact with Portuguese residents in Venezuela, reinforcing the State’s commitment to the protection and assistance of its citizens”, the statement read. 

It further adds: “So far, there are no situations warranting alarm”.

The ministry also mentioned that it “always” has contingency plans for “different situations,” but “these are naturally confidential matters”. 

Thus, the ministry headed by Paulo Rangel recommends that “Portuguese nationals residing in Venezuela keep their contact details updated to ensure effective and timely communication with Portuguese consular services whenever necessary”. 

In case of need, the emergency contact channels are the Consulate General of Portugal in Caracas, the Consulate General of Portugal in Valencia, and the Consular Emergency Office.

The statement provides the emergency contact numbers for Portugal in Caracas (+58 414-466 53 50) and the email: cg*******@*ne.pt.

The contact numbers for the consulate in Valencia are also provided (+58 412-0405565 and +58 414-484 35 41), as well as the email: va******@*ne.pt.

Portuguese citizens can also contact the Consular Emergency Office by phone at +351 217 929 714 and +351 961 706 472, or use the email ge*@*ne.pt.

What’s happening in Venezuela?

It should be noted that the United States has maintained a naval and air deployment in the Caribbean waters near Venezuela since September, claiming it is to combat drug trafficking.

Additionally, Washington has linked Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the Cartel of the Suns, a group allegedly involved in drug trafficking and classified as terrorist by the United States.

The escalation of tensions between the two countries occurs as the United States increases pressure on Venezuela with a significant military deployment, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and admits to possible ground attacks on Venezuelan territory in the fight against drug cartels.

Airspace closure

It should be noted that after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “completely closed,” the Caracas government did not remain silent. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced and condemned the American “colonialist threat.”

The latest heated exchange between the two countries was sparked by a message from Trump on his social media, Truth Social, on Saturday afternoon, November 29.

“To all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, please consider the airspace above and around Venezuela completely closed. Thank you for your attention!” wrote the American president.

Hours later, Caracas responded: “Venezuela denounces and condemns the colonialist threat that aims to affect the sovereignty of its airspace, thus constituting a new extravagant, illegal, and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people.”

The Venezuelan airspace has become the new center of conflict between the United States and the country led by Nicolás Maduro. Following Trump’s announcement that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “completely closed,” Caracas responded by condemning the U.S.’s “colonialist threat.”

Marcelo, PS and Chega concerned about the Portuguese community in Venezuela

In Portugal, some political figures have already commented on the recent developments between Washington and Caracas. 

In statements to journalists at the end of his visit to the Food Bank in Alcântara, Lisbon, on Saturday, the President of the Republic noted that he is concerned about the Portuguese community in Venezuela, adding that he is closely monitoring the situation.

“I have been following through the Government, especially the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, all that is being done to anticipate the various possible scenarios and have solutions,” stated Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The leader of Chega also commented on the situation, expressing his hope that “peace is preserved, especially because Portugal has a long-standing community in Venezuela that we must protect and look after.”

In statements on the sidelines of a session in Coimbra on Saturday, André Ventura also emphasized that Portugal should be prepared for the possibility of the return of Portuguese emigrants from Venezuela.

Lastly, the Socialist Party also addressed the issue, albeit more indirectly, by questioning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the Portuguese community in Venezuela.

“Are there contingency plans specifically intended for the Portuguese community in Venezuela, reinforcement of means or communication channels?” the socialists ask, further inquiring whether the government intends to adopt additional measures to ensure access to consular services and “potential emergency operations or direct support to Portuguese citizens and Lusodescendants.”