The Regional Government promotes Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants, starting on Monday, September 16. The first edition of this initiative is taking place on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira in partnership with the Community Centre for Immigrant Support and the Azores Immigrant Association.

The Portuguese Language courses, promoted by the Regional Government through the Regional Directorates for Education and Communities, are targeted at foreign citizens residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Courses are taught after working hours.

This initiative aims to contribute to the full integration of immigrants residing in the archipelago, through their professional and personal fulfilment.

The completion of the course, duly certified, allows immigrants to comply with the requirements for the acquisition of nationality, permanent residence or the authorisation for long-term residence in regard to the assessment exams of Portuguese Language.

The two Portuguese Language courses will be attended by a total of 40 immigrants from Cape Verde, Pakistan, Romania, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Guinea, China, India, Lithuania and the United States of America.

The opening of the course will take place on Monday at the premises of the Community Centre for Immigrant Support in Ponta Delgada. The opening session will be attended by the Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rodrigo Oliveira.