News for E-migrants — September 9, 2026 · Blog

Portugal strengthens ties with São Tomé and Príncipe and announces preparation for a bilateral summit (Sept. 3, 2026)

The Government of Portugal announced that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro participated, on September 3, 2026, in the inauguration ceremony of the re-elected President of São Tomé and Príncipe and stated that Lisbon wants to "strengthen cooperation" with São Tomé in areas such as education, health, energy, and economic relations. The statement from the Government Portal also mentions that both parties have been discussing the organization of a bilateral summit to deepen these areas and encourage investment from Portuguese companies in São Tomé and Príncipe.

What changes for the diaspora: this is a political-diplomatic announcement with potential practical impact (more joint projects, technical cooperation programs, job opportunities/contracts for Portuguese companies in São Tomé) — but it is not yet a package of measures with new rights or changes to visas. The immediate step for those living in Portugal or other countries in the diaspora is to follow the upcoming announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies/consulates: these channels will detail any mobility programs, scholarships, educational agreements, or administrative facilitation. For those connected to community associations, NGOs, or companies interested in investing, it is time to prepare proposals and contacts with diplomatic representations.

Official source (recommended reading): statement from the Government Portal of Portugal dated September 3, 2026.

Source: Government Portal of Portugal

United Kingdom publishes internal update on "Voluntary and Assisted Departures" (Sept. 1, 2026)

The Home Office updated, on September 1, 2026, the internal guidance directed at staff regarding "Voluntary and Assisted Departures" (Voluntary and assisted departures — version 7.0). The official page explains how the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) operates, the eligibility criteria for support (including the possibility of financial assistance up to £3,000 in eligible cases), rules regarding the IS.101 form (consent declaration), and the minimum notification periods before a removal (72 hours or 5 working days in certified cases).

What matters to immigrants and their support networks: this update is aimed at caseworkers and enforcement agents, but has practical implications for individuals subject to removal processes — specifically, it may increase visibility and access to options for assisted voluntary departure (with reintegration) instead of forced removal. If someone is in a risk of removal situation: check (a) if you have already been contacted by the VRS, (b) if you have legal representation, and (c) the documentation they request before signing any IS.101. We do not offer legal advice; seek immediate support from a migrant support organization or an immigration lawyer before making decisions about accepting a voluntary departure offer. For diaspora organizations and associations: the new version details operational procedures that may affect families and sensitive cases (minors, vulnerable individuals) — it is advisable to update local contacts with the VRS and legal support services.

Direct reading (official document from GOV.UK, updated on September 1, 2026).

Source: GOV.UK — Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration

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