Azores have made efforts to "meet expectations" of those choosing the Region to live in, highlights Paulo Estêvão - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted today at the closing of the 2nd Migration Forum that the Region has been "undertaking efforts to meet the expectations" of those choosing the Azores to live and work.

At the session, held at the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada, he stated that the number of Portuguese language courses aimed at immigrants will increase.

In addition, there will be "lessons about the diaspora" in regional schools.  The Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities will set up a study office to "map the communities" of Azoreans and Azorean descendants around the world.

"We want to get to know our communities even better," noted Paulo Estêvão, who also assured that this Regional Government will increase support for emigrant associations.

"We are a proactive Government. We want to do tangible things," he continued, pointing out that, as far as training for journalists is concerned, an area also under his remit, it will be open to professionals working in the diaspora.

The first Migration Forum was held on October 26 and 27, 2023, on the islands of Faial and Pico.

The Forum, which took place on Thursday and today, brought together academics and experts in migration as well as representatives of regional associations working on the integration of migrants in the Region.

The programme also included the sharing of testimonials, presenting the perspectives of immigrants, returned emigrants and immigrants of Azorean descent who are integrated on all islands of the archipelago.