Bolieiro says that Azores are “with open arms” to the return of the diaspora

“ Nwe have two areas of possibility of intervention. One, welcome those who want to be immigrants in the Azores,” said Bolieiro, in statements to journalists in Vaughan, in the Toronto region.

Asked by Lusa about what is being done to convince emigrants and descendants to return and invest in the Azores, at a time when the archipelago needs population and manpower, Bolieiro drew attention to immigration laws.

“ We don't control immigration law, because that's the Portuguese state that controls it. But we welcome those who enter Portugal and choose the Azores to live ", said.

According to the head of the Azorean executive, in recent years there has been “a significant increase in resident immigrants”, contributing to knowledge, work and investment for the regional economy.

“ We have confidence in our economy, we have a low unemployment rate and we have greatly increased the population of immigration,” he added.

For Azoreans and descendants living abroad and considering returning to the archipelago, Bolieiro ensured that the region seeks to create conditions for receiving them.

“With regard to return, return, our diaspora that want to return to the Azores to live there, we are openhearted and have given these conditions,” he said.

The President of the Regional Government referred in particular to the retired emigrants who choose to return to the land of origin, as well as the diaspora members who buy housing or want to invest in the archipelago.

Bolieiro also pointed out the social security system and access to health care through the Regional Health Service among the conditions available for those who decide to return.

“ We do much and we are open arms to receive the returns ", declared.

In investment, the ruler identified tourism, real estate, blue economy and digital economy as potential areas, as well as science, research and new technologies.

Bolieiro also highlighted the intention to develop a 'cluster' of the sea and a 'cluster' of space from the archipelago, considering that these areas can attract qualified professionals and new generations of the diaspora.

“The Azores are a laboratory of the future also for these generations,” he said.

The statements were made on the sidelines of the gala dinner that marked the 20th anniversary of the Feast of the Holy Lord Christ of the Miracles of Brampton at the premises of Local LiUNA 183 in Vaughan.

During the ceremony, Bolieiro expressed “very pride” in the Azorean diaspora in Canada and highlighted the Portuguese community’s ability to integrate into Canadian society while maintaining its roots and traditions.

“ It is historic because we keep our history and our tradition very alive, celebrating 20 years of the holding of the great feasts of the Holy Lord Christ of Miracles in Brampton ", said.

The ruler also highlighted Canadian multiculturalism and the integration of Portuguese and Azoreans into the political, economic, social and cultural life of the country.

Bolieiro's visit to Canada continues today with the opening, at 11:00 local (16:00 in Lisbon), of a replica of Ponta Delgada City Doors, located in Azores Park, in Brampton.

“ I am here to witness, on behalf of the Government of the Azores, a historic moment with history. A historic moment because it opens tomorrow the City Doors ", said Bolieiro during Friday dinner.

For the president of the regional executive, the monument represents “a bridge between starting and arriving” and symbolizes the relationship between Azorean emigration, preservation of roots and integration in the host country.

“The City Doors are not only a monument that magnifies and embellishes Brampton, but that signals this portugality and this cultural and civilizational attitude in Canada,” he added.

The inauguration includes the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Feasts of the Holy Lord Christ of the Miracles of Brampton, which continue during the weekend.

Today, at 4 p.m. local, the Procession of the Change of Image is held in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, while on Sunday a Mass is scheduled, at noon, presided by the Bishop of Angra, Archbishop Armando Esteves Domingues, followed by the procession of the Holy Lord Christ of Miracles.

On Monday, Bolieiro has also planned visits to Azores Parkette in Little Portugal, Toronto, and the House of the Azores of Ontario.