At its meeting on October 30th 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law on the Seniority-based Promotion Scheme for Civil Service Career Staff, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus. 

This legislative initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have been unable to achieve promotions based on merit over the last few years. The scheme is based on criteria such as seniority, performance evaluation, age, professional training, service in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance. The law states that promotion by seniority will take place annually and will be carried out through an internal competition regulated by the Civil Service Commission, which determines the vacancies available for each grade and professional category.

This seniority-based promotion system is expected to reduce career stagnation among civil servants. It values the dedication of long years to public service, especially for those who find it challenging to participate in conventional competitions.