The Regional Director for Communities said today that promoting the integration of all those who have chosen the Azores to live and work "is a mission that should be carried out by the entire Azorean society."

Speaking at the opening of the Portuguese Language Course for Immigrants, Paulo Teves stressed the importance of learning the Portuguese Language, considering that "it effectively contributes to the integration of immigrants, either in the acquisition of professional skills and the enhancement of their employability or in the improvement of communication skills."

 In this regard, the government official stressed all Portuguese Language Course are an initiative of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorates for Communities and Education, and are targeted at foreign citizens residing in the archipelago.

"The 150-hour courses will be taught after working hours.  They will also provide immigrants with the ability 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.

In his speech, Paulo Teves stressed the success of this initiative in 2013, when two courses were held on São Miguel and Terceira; they were attended 40 citizens of 10 nationalities. After the successful results, "the Government of the Azores has decided to reinforce the territorial coverage and the number of courses available."

For this reason, the Regional Government, through partnerships with Lajes das Flores Town Hall and the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA) and CRESAÇOR - Regional Cooperative for Solidarity Economy, will promote this year five courses; two will be held on the island of São Miguel and the remaining on the islands of Terceira, Faial and Flores. They are expected to be attended by a total of 70 participants of 17 nationalities.

The Regional Director for Communities also underlined "the importance of all those who have chosen the Azores to live and work, praising their "relevant contribution" to the progress and development of the Region. Currently, there are 75 nationalities in the Azores.