Cape Verde to Slash Customs Red Tape for Diaspora Shipments
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Cape Verdean Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho has pledged to overhaul the nation’s customs system, promising to slash red tape for citizens sending goods back to the archipelago. The announcement came during the Prime Minister’s three-day official visit to the Netherlands, which concluded today.
Ending the Paperwork Maze
Speaking to members of the Cape Verdean diaspora in Rotterdam, Carvalho addressed long-standing frustrations regarding the bureaucratic hurdles involved in clearing shipments. The Prime Minister committed to a “single document” system designed to eliminate the repetitive exchange of paperwork that currently plagues the process.
“The process should work with a single document,” Carvalho stated, emphasizing that the government aims to reach new agreements between the public and private sectors to streamline logistics without passing additional costs onto citizens.
Supporting Families, Not Just Cargo
For many Cape Verdeans living abroad, shipping food, clothing, and household materials is a vital lifeline for their families back home, second only to financial remittances. During the meeting, community members argued that personal aid should not be treated with the same scrutiny as commercial imports.
Carvalho agreed, noting that customs must clearly differentiate between family support items and goods intended for resale. To expedite the process, the Prime Minister called for an increase in customs personnel to reduce the time spent on physical inspections.
“We must create the conditions so that Cape Verdeans living abroad can contribute to the development of their country with enthusiasm and hope,” Carvalho told reporters.
Addressing Tax Concerns
Beyond logistics, the diaspora raised concerns regarding fiscal transparency. Many residents expressed confusion over how to report real estate holdings and bank deposits in Cape Verde to Dutch authorities. In response, Carvalho promised that the government would issue a formal clarification to help citizens navigate these requirements while ensuring the prevention of double taxation.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands focused on both community engagement and high-level diplomacy. In addition to his meetings with the diaspora, Carvalho held talks with Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten and Police Chief Tolga Koklu to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Image: Pexels – Carlo Jünemann
