He said the most complex area in terms of support for the emigrants on Madeira was health because of the overload on the regional system at a time when the authorities estimate that about 4,000 people have returned to the region because of the political, social and economic instability in Venezuela.
It has also created 150 bursaries for the returnees to study Portuguese as many second generation emigrants only speak Spanish.
The Portuguese border agency is trying to set up an advanced post at the consul in Caracas, so those who want to leave are properly documented and certified, José Luís Carneiro said.