The members of the Regional Advisory Council for Immigration Affairs met in Ponta Delgada with the purpose of presenting projects and assessing the most important activities for immigrants living in the Azores that were carried out in this legislative period. The meeting was attended by several governmental departments and civil society organisations that make up the Advisory Council. Given the diversity and complexity of the immigration phenomenon, this Council includes entities from various fields.

In addition to assessing the activities carried out by the entities attending the meeting, the event featured the presentation of the main changes resulting from the recently approved Law on the Entry, Stay, Removal and Exit of Aliens of the National Territory (Law no. 29/2012 of August 9). Likewise, the member of the Council also had the opportunity of becoming better acquainted with Ordinance 49/2012 of April 27 which creates Portuguese courses for non-native speakers. The regional legislation was approved by the Regional Secretaries of the Presidency and Education and Training. According to the national legislation in force, foreign citizens who wish to obtain Portuguese citizenship are required to have some knowledge of Portuguese language. In order to meet this need, the Regional Government has decided to issue this Ordinance, hence providing better conditions for the immigrant population.

Regarding the activities developed by the Regional Directorate for Communities, Graça Castanho highlighted the importance of customer service to the public that provided to immigrant populations across the archipelago. The government official also mentioned some of the activities developed in the areas of interculturality, training courses for immigrants and dissemination of the immigration phenomenon in the Azores. In this context, the Regional Director released information concerning the development of two new initiatives addressed at immigrants to take place shortly: the Immigrant Meeting in Azorean Sport, an event to be held on Faial on September 28 and 29, and a training course on the creation of micro crafts companies for unemployment immigrants or in precarious employment situation. These initiatives were developed in partnership with Criaçores, Cresaçor and AIPA. She also recalled that this body supports projects developed by several organisations that promote integration, cultural identity, diversity and the quality of life of immigrants.

Thanking the collaboration of all partners in the construction of a more democratic and tolerant society, Graça Castanho mentioned the relevant role played by immigrant communities in the development of all islands as well as in the cultural enrichment of the Azores and the promotion of the Region abroad. These aspects have "contributed to regional cohesion and the inclusion of the Azores in the dynamics of the global world."