Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities


The Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities is a Portuguese government role under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing policies for emigrants and the diaspora. It manages consular services, cultural and economic ties, and citizen support abroad, working with embassies, consulates, and diaspora organisations. The position also oversees the Portuguese Communities Council, a consultative body that represents Portuguese citizens abroad and advises the government on emigration and diaspora affairs.
As of 5 April 2024, the current Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities is José Cesário, having previously held the position in the past.

Former names

  • 1976–1978: Secretary of State for Emigration
  • 1978–1979: Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Emigration
  • 1979–1980: Secretary of State for Emigration
  • 1980–1983: Secretary of State for Emigration and ''the Portuguese Communities
  • 1983–1985: Secretary of State for Emigration
  • 1985–present: Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities''

Holders