Regional Government moves forward with temporary support for advance payment of salaries to Lajes Base workers - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Regional Government of the Azores published Ordinance No. 123-A/2025 of November 7 in the Official Journal of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This legislation regulates the granting of temporary and repayable social financial support, corresponding to the advance payment of outstanding salaries to the workers assigned to the United States Forces in the Azores (USFORAZORES) at Lajes Base, Terceira Island.

This measure, which is exceptional and temporary, is intended to mitigate the economic and social effects of the suspension of salary payments by foreign employers, ensuring that workers temporarily maintain their usual income until this situation is resolved. 

Ordinance No. 123-A/2025 of November 7 determines the maximum amount of funding, the rules for managing contracts to be signed by the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (IPRA), and the procedure for granting this support, pursuant to Government Council Resolution No. 149-A/2025 of November 5.

This financial support corresponds to the net remuneration in arrears, until normal remuneration processing is resumed by the employer, with the calculation reference being the salary period between September 7 and September 20, 2025.

The amounts paid in advance to each worker shall be repaid in full within a maximum of ten working days after receiving the corresponding remuneration from the employer.

With the entry into force of the aforementioned Ordinance, workers assigned to USFORAZORES can voluntarily go to ISSA, IPRA, starting next Monday, November 10, to initiate the procedure for granting this support.

The Vice-President of the Regional Government noted that the commitment and dedication of these professionals "remained unchanged," demonstrating "the resilience and spirit of the Azorean cause."

For Artur Lima, the National Government "has shown no interest in the Azoreans serving the country in a crucial role for international security and stability."

This solution "makes it clear that the Regional Government takes action, is always present and fulfils its duties through its governmental action with the Azorean People," stressed the Vice-President.