The Portuguese ambassador in São Tomé disclosed today that over a thousand São Toméan students have received visas for technical professional courses in Portugal, and the consulate has intensified measures to expedite the processing of nearly 400 pending applications.
Luís Leandro da Silva stated that the Portuguese consular section in São Tomé is working on Saturdays, on an overtime basis, “with the aim of accelerating the analysis and processing, exclusively for technical professional education visas,” forecasting the completion of the pending applications within the next three weeks.
The Portuguese ambassador was speaking at a meeting promoted by the Ministry of Education of São Tomé and Príncipe in response to complaints from parents due to delays in many processes.
Luís Leandro da Silva also announced a reorganization of the consular section next year to “give increased priority to these types of visas,” which “have a specific nature,” because “students need to start the academic year on time.”
He appealed to the guardians and authorities in São Tomé to present the lists of students interested in studying in Portugal between May and August, instead of September, as has been the practice until now.
“Classes start in September, and we are receiving numerous applications in the months of September, October, and November, already during the school period. It doesn’t make much sense and is also detrimental to the students themselves,” emphasized the Portuguese diplomat.
According to Luís Leandro da Silva, another reason delaying some processes is the compliance with the required criteria, particularly the conditions of those signing the terms of responsibility for students in Portugal.
“The terms must be signed by those who genuinely have the possibility to guarantee accommodation, food, and living expenses for the visa applicant,” highlighted Luís Leandro da Silva, stressing that the subscriber must have a minimum wage income rounded to 900 euros, plus 400 euros for each dependent or person they assume responsibility for.
The Minister of Education of São Tomé and Príncipe mentioned during the meeting that it is known that “people buy the terms” of responsibility, and students upon arriving in Portugal face questions right at the border, and when reaching out to those who signed the terms, they don’t respond, resulting in “many students being repatriated to São Tomé.”
Isabel further noted that it is also known that parents pay associations in São Tomé that enroll students in Portuguese schools without knowing the conditions of these educational institutions.
According to the minister, a mission from the Ministry was in Portugal and found, through photos and videos, many students are demotivated because “they were promised certain conditions and upon arrival, found things to be different.”
