Public Policy Measure
The Portuguese as a Host Language Courses (PLA) are a public policy measure aimed at addressing the Portuguese language learning needs of migrants in Portugal. They are designed to provide a more tailored response to the language learning needs of migrant citizens settling in Portugal, broadening and enhancing public programs for teaching Portuguese as a non-native language, contributing to their social and professional integration, and helping prevent discrimination based on origin.
The main goal of these courses is to empower both migrants and societies to achieve full social inclusion and cohesion.
PLA courses are aimed at citizens aged 16 or older whose mother tongue is not Portuguese and/or who do not have basic, intermediate, or advanced skills in Portuguese, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The training paths are based on the Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages frameworks, available in the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ), and are structured into four pathways: A1 and A2 (elementary level) and B1 and B2 (intermediate to upper-intermediate), which aim to develop higher levels of proficiency. Certification depends on the specific pathway completed. Achieving level A2 or higher serves as proof of Portuguese language proficiency for the purpose of acquiring Portuguese nationality.
This public policy was created by Order No. 183/2020 of 5 August, in its current wording, and is part of the measures under the National Plan for the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, annexed to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 141/2019 of 20 August.
History
Entities
ODS
ODS 4 – Garantir o acesso à educação inclusiva, de qualidade e equitativa, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos