Controversy surrounds the new air mobility subsidy ruling.
Now, only citizens residing in Madeira from the European Union, Schengen area, and Brazil are entitled to request a refund. This decision has already caused various inconveniences to sports clubs, students, and children of excluded residents residing in the Region.
CTT is already enforcing the new ruling.
Responding to this…..
The exclusion of the right to the social mobility allowance (SSM) of Venezuelan citizens residing in Madeira, as well as their student children, “is a discriminatory measure and a violent blow to the rights” of the Venezuelan community, considers Marcos da Silva, in charge of the Nucleus of Communities of Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP).
The young man, born in Venezuela but residing in Madeira, reacted with deep indignation to this decision of the Portuguese State and said that a large part of the community would be in full of its rights if the regional and national authorities eased the bureaucracy, obstacles and difficulties they pose in the attribution of dual nationality.
The change, announced this Saturday confirms that the reimbursement of travel is only applicable to native Madeirans and residents from EU countries, the Schengen area, and Brazil.
All citizens residing in Madeira and originating in Venezuela, South Africa, Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP), and the United Kingdom are not entitled to a refund, as they are no longer part of the EU. According to the Regional Directorate of Statistics, the Venezuelan community leads the list of foreigners residing in Madeira. In 2023, there were more than 2,500 citizens, followed by Brazil (with the right to a refund) due to the Treaty of Friendship.
Lina Pereira, President of the JPP and coordinator of the Foreign Communities Nucleus, challenges the Regional Government to a “serious commitment” to the Venezuelan community residing in Madeira, in order to “find a solution that nullifies this highly discriminatory attitude.”
The political leader says that “beautiful and sensible words” such as those uttered in September this year by the regional director of Communities and External Cooperation, Sancho Gomes, in the Tribute to Migrations have to be accompanied by actions and measures, such as accelerating and not complicating applications for dual nationality to people who have already resided in the Region for several years.”
Lina Pereira recalled what Sancho Gomes said at that event: “I firmly believe that it is thanks to the cultural diversity that countries, regions, and peoples become richer, more dynamic, and more entrepreneurial. Because migrants always have a great desire to work and succeed in life, contributing to the economic, social, and cultural development of the host countries.”
The President of the JPP understands that if the Regional Government recognises “the richness and contribution of communities to the economic, social and cultural development” of the Region, it is also “important to recognise their rights and not just words.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
