The complementary and temporary support for Azorean students displaced from their island of residence has already covered 240 students.

So far, 286 applications have been submitted; among them, 240 are already processed while the remaining are under analysis or in the process of information collection. 

This support measure was created by the Regional Government to support displaced students who have to stay longer where they currently reside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are unable to travel to their island of residence given the constraints imposed on mobility. 

The aid ranges from 100 to 250 Euros per month for accommodation and food expenses, between April and June, and is defined in accordance with household income. 

To support these young people, the Regional Government, through the Office of the Regional Assistant Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and the Regional Directorate for Youth, has created the Toll-free Support Line for Displaced Students. It is primarily intended to collect support requests as well as information on students' situation, location and intentions of returning to the Region. 

So far, this line has been contacted by 477 displaced students for information on their return to the archipelago or request for financial support, with 286 applications for support being submitted to the coordination services responsible for this support line. 

The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs said that "all efforts are being undertaken to streamline the processing and allocation of financial support." 

“Bearing in mind that this exceptional support measure is in force in April, May and June, we have to carry out a permanent assessment of this measure as the situation of households can change from one month to another, namely in case of household income loss or reduction, and whether the student is able to return, which determines the end of support. Hence, this line is always open to those who need or will need support, as a result of changes in the social and economic situation of their family," stressed Berto Messias. 

Moreover, the Regional Secretary added that "the team of the Regional Directorate for Youth that is working on this process has made a great effort of proximity, streamlining procedures and following up each situation, so as to ensure that aid can quickly reach those who need it." 

With regard to the return of displaced students, Berto Messias said that "the heart tells us to bring everyone back, but reason demands that we continue to follow up this situation with caution, namely the evolution of this pandemic, the precautionary and mobility reduction measures that have yet to be taken, the transition period following the end of the state of emergency and the developments in the situation of higher education institutions. As for the latter, there is the possibility that some of them may reopen later this school year, which will change students' intentions of returning to the Region."