After two years of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a strong presence of emigrants is expected in Portugal during these summer holidays, which is cause for rejoicing, but also for concern about road safety.
“We will have a significant presence this year, after two years of the pandemic, in which travel was restricted and the people themselves ended up not traveling as much as they usually did,” the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities told Lusa.
He added: “It will be a full year that Portugal welcomes the Portuguese men and women with open arms who are in the world”.
For Paulo Cafofo, there is great expectation for the presence of Portuguese emigrants and descendants of Portuguese in Portugal at these parties, thus reestablishing a physical connection with the country that was interrupted by the pandemic.
“We wish a return with good energy, that they not only bring their example of what they give us as inspiration for those of us who win in life with a lot of entrepreneurship and courage, but also that they bring investments,” he said.
“It is also one of our goals that these Portuguese maintain a connection with the country, with visits, trips, but also that they can glimpse in Portugal an opportunity to invest, to fulfill dreams and, therefore, we hope that they come safe and sound. ”, He said, adding:“ You will be very welcome ”.
Paulo Cafofo, who will be at the Vilar Formoso border on the 30th, in a welcoming session for the Portuguese emigrants, warned of the the need to travel safelyso that this is a return “in joy”.
Especially attentive to this return by road, the Cap Magellan association has planned several reception and clarification actions at three points on the Portuguese border: Vilar Formoso, Vila Nova de Raia and Valença.
Cap Magellan, an association of Portuguese-speaking youth in Europe, which promotes the Portuguese language, Portuguese-speaking culture and citizenship actions, this year promotes the 20th edition of the road safety campaign that aims to warn of the dangers of long trips, such as fatigue and speeding.
Gabriela Vieira, coordinator of this road safety campaign, explained to Lusa that many Portuguese emigrants are expected on Portuguese roads, heading to Portugal.
This year, she said, the slogan of the campaign is “Let’s save lives” and Gabriela Vieira is sure that this welcome to the Portuguese living abroad helps in that sense.
At these three locations, Cap Magellan volunteers will distribute gift bags and once again remind you to take a break from driving every two hours.
“The migrants want to get home as quickly as possible, but it is necessary to stop and rest, especially with the fires that devastate many of the countries they pass through,” he said.
Source: Observadora
