Portugal Monitors Venezuela Situation, Offers Support to Citizens Amid Rising Tensions
Portugal is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Venezuela, with officials expressing concern for the well-being of its large citizen population residing in the country. While maintaining that there is currently no cause for widespread alarm, the Portuguese government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing support and has activated contingency plans.
Portuguese Government Assures Community Support
“As part of its mission of permanent support to the Portuguese Community, the Embassy and Consulates General are in permanent contact with Portuguese residents in Venezuela,” a statement released this Sunday confirmed. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated on Saturday that he is “permanently monitoring” the situation and acknowledged being worried about the challenges facing the Portuguese community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) has urged Portuguese nationals living in Venezuela to ensure their contact information is up-to-date to facilitate effective communication during times of need. According to a government release, the Portuguese State “always” has contingency plans in place, though details remain “naturally reserved.”
Citizens can reach the following Portuguese consular services:
- General Consultancy of Portugal in Caracas: (+58)414-466 53 50, [email protected]
- General Consulate of Portugal in Valencia: (+58)412-0405565 / (+58)414-484 35 41, [email protected]
- Consular Emergency Office: (+351) 217 929 714 / (+351) 961 706 472, [email protected]
A Significant Portuguese Diaspora
Venezuela is home to a substantial population of Portuguese citizens and people of Portuguese descent, particularly those originating from Madeira. In 2019, estimates indicated approximately 300,000 individuals with Portuguese ties lived within the country. This makes Venezuela a key destination for Portuguese emigration and underscores the government’s commitment to their safety and well-being.
US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate
The heightened concern from Portugal comes as tensions between Venezuela and the United States continue to intensify. Since September, the US has increased its military presence in Caribbean waters, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. This deployment has been met with strong opposition from Caracas.
The situation prompted the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a recommendation on November 21 for “extreme caution” when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean, describing the region as “potentially dangerous.” Several airlines, including TAP Air Portugal, subsequently suspended flights to Venezuela.
Caracas Responds to Flight Suspensions and US Rhetoric
In response to the flight suspensions, the Venezuelan government revoked the operating licenses of TAP, Iberia, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol, accusing them of “joining in acts of terrorism” allegedly promoted by the United States.
The rhetoric escalated further last Thursday when former President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of ground operations in Venezuela targeting drug cartels. On Saturday, Trump warned that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “totally closed,” a statement that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denounced as a “colonialist threat.”
The situation remains fluid, and Portugal continues to monitor developments closely, prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens in Venezuela.