The situation facing emigrants returning to Madeira came up during a debate in the regional assembly requested by the opposition CDS/PP (Popular Party) group.

“We only now are in a position to complete the first 62 housing applications” from Portuguese citizens from Venezuela, said the regional secretary, Rita Andrade.

She added that the first families would be integrated in Machico Park area but that the island was struggling to integrate more people.

The IHM had proposed accommodating more families under a programme called Porta Entrada but the suggestion was “refused,” she said.

Venezuelans are emigrating in record numbers, fleeing the economic and political crisis with countries struggling to settle them.