Young students displaced from their island of residence can now benefit from "Return Home" measure - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

Young Azorean students displaced from their island of residence can apply from tomorrow, Tuesday, for the "Return Home" measure created by the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment.

Applications for this measure, part of the "+Youth" package, are open until August 15, using the form available on the juventude.azores.gov.pt portal.

This application phase takes effect retroactively to the 2023/2024 school year, for the payment of a round air trip, or two one-way trips, between the student's island of residence and the location of the school establishment.

Young people up to 26 attending level 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. 

According to the Order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal, this measure aims to encourage young people to continue their studies. It also allows them to maintain the ties with their island of residence so that, once they have completed their training, they can return and take up residence in the Azores.

The "Return Home" measure is promoted through the Regional Directorate for Youth. It includes the payment of two round trips per school year for displaced students, including the cost of purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket.

The "+ Youth" package is an initiative of the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition Government, created by Resolution of the Government Council on July 10, to attract and maintain young talent in the Azores, aligned with the commitment made in the Programme of the XIV Government of the Azores.

More information on the "+ Youth" package can be found at https://juventude.azores.gov.pt/.