This year, the Government of the Azores the fourth edition of Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants, an initiative that aims to promote the full integration of immigrants in the Azorean society, through the acquisition of linguistic skills that contribute to their personal and professional fulfilment.

Applications, which are regulated by Decree no. 56/2014, may be submitted until March 31 by public, private and cooperative entities as well as by public school establishments of the Autonomous Regional of the Azores.

An initiative of the Regional Government implemented by the Regional Directorates for the Communities and Education, the Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants have already covered more than 150 participants residing on five islands. The course has a duration of 150 hours and classes are taught after working hours.

By successfully completing the Portuguese Language course, participants will be awarded a language certificate. It allows immigrants to comply with the requirements for acquisition of nationality, permanent residence or the authorisation for long-term residence in regard to the assessment exams of Portuguese Language.

In the third edition of this initiative, held in 2015, the Government promoted three courses on the islands of S. Miguel, Terceira and Pico, which were organised by CRESAÇOR - Regional Cooperative for Solidarity Economy, AIPA - Azores Immigrant Association and the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of São Roque do Pico.

The last three courses held last year were attended by participants from 17 countries, including Germany, Angola, Austria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, China, Colombia, USA, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Poland, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

Those who are interested may obtain further information on the Portuguese Language Course for Immigrants and the respective application form on the page of the Regional Directorate for Communities on the Portal of the Regional at the address http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/pgra-ssrpre-drcomunidades.