The JPP defends a more humanised approach to migrants seeking new opportunities in Madeira and mainland Portugal.
During a pre-campaign action, Filipe Sousa criticised the way the migration issue has been managed, stating that the issue is on the political agenda because the country has failed to welcome, protect, and integrate the people who have been invited to work here due to the high labour demand. High-demand sectors include civil construction, catering, and services.
The candidate highlighted the “coherent stance” of the JPP in this matter, recalling the creation of the Nucleus of Foreign Communities, which has developed proximity work with migrant communities in the Region.
“If we want to be welcomed, we also have to know how to welcome,” said Filipe Sousa, recalling that Portugal has strong emigrant ties and traditions.
He expressed his conviction that “cultural diversity makes regions and countries richer and more dynamic,” highlighting that the people who come to us bring with them a great desire to work and succeed in life, making important contributions to economic, social, and cultural development.
Filipe Sousa undertakes, if elected, to work in the Assembly of the Republic to strengthen the contribution of foreign communities in Madeira, promote their integration into Madeiran society, and continue the work of the JPP’s Foreign Communities Nucleus.
Concluding, he cited data from the Regional Directorate of Statistics published in September 2024. The data shows that the foreign population residing in Madeira reached 14,060 people in December 2023, representing 5.5% of the total population (256,622). The main communities originate from Venezuela (15.5%), the United Kingdom (10.3%), Brazil (10.3%), Germany (10%) and Italy (5.2%).
He further added that the Muslim community, particularly from Bangladesh, has also experienced significant growth.
