Data published today by the Regional Directorate of Statistics and compiled by the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), revealed that the foreign population permanently residing in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, as of the 31st of December 2019, totalled 8,586 people, representing an increase of 13.3% compared to 2018.
The foreign population comprises residence permit holders (8,579) and long-term visa holders (7). Venezuelan nationals account for 24.1%, the United Kingdom 12.8%, Brazilians 10.1% and Germans 6.4% and these nationalities continue to be the main foreign communities residing in the Region.
In 2019, the number of Venezuelan nationals rose again, increasing from 1,590 in 2018 to 2,066 in 2019, almost tripling, compared to the numbers registered in 2016 (703).
As expected, Funchal remains the nucleus for foreign residents (53.1% of the total), followed by Santa Cruz (14.0%), Calheta (8.8%) and Ribeira Brava (4.5% ). By gender, there are slightly more females (51.7%) over males (48.3%).
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
