After years of talking, negotiating (and postponing), the time has come: the new Civic Integration Act is in force. What has changed? And what does the new law mean for the role of the UAF in integration? Eline Dragt, policy officer at the UAF, answers.
Why has the law been changed?
'The old law, from 2013, was aimed at personal responsibility. A newcomer chooses his own integration courses, was the idea. But looking for a language school yourself is difficult for someone who does not speak the language and does not know the infrastructure. The system was also grist to the cowboys' mill. Language schools were found to declare integration courses on a large scale that never took place or were of poor quality. The Court of Audit already concluded in 2017 that the free structure did not work. The level was too low and many status holders failed to integrate within three years.'
What has changed in the new law?
'Direction and supervision are back with municipalities. And with that also the bag of money that is made available for the integration of status holders. Municipalities buy in programmes, such as language courses, and have the obligation to provide an offer that matches the wishes, goals and capacities of the person integrating. There are three routes: an education route, a route for language and (volunteer) work, and finally a route aimed at self-reliance. The required language level has increased for the routes leading to education and work.'
What was the UAF's contribution to the creation of this law?
'We have worked hard for an education route and it has been achieved. Initially, an age limit of 28 years was set for that route. We thought that was very unwise, because a suitable education is the way to a sustainable place in society. Even if you are older than 28. The age limit has now been abolished. And thanks to a lobby of the UAF, the education umbrella organisations, the VNG and Divosa, extra budget has been made available from the government for the education route: 15 million euros for this year and 9 million for next year. That money is needed to maintain a high-quality integration offer. Finally, we insist on a travel allowance for people integrating who want to follow education. At the moment, only a small part of the travel costs is reimbursed by municipalities. As UAF we do not want to and cannot pay for structural costs, that is not our job. Travel costs should not form an obstacle to following civic integration education. There must be a solution for that.'
We have worked hard for an education route and it has been achieved.
Can all people integrating now follow education?
'According to the law, preparing for a study is now possible for everyone, for example by following a bridging program or by eliminating deficiencies (missing subjects). Money is also needed for transferring to an MBO, HBO or WO study after integration. Student finance is available through DUO for students up to the age of thirty. Older students must pay for their studies themselves or receive permission from the municipalities to study while retaining benefits through an exception to the Participation Act. The UAF encourages municipalities to provide space for this. We have made cooperation agreements on this with about fifty municipalities.'
What has changed for immigrants?
'Guidance from day one, more attention to the Dutch language at a higher level and better preparation for study or work. We hope and expect that it will lead to less stress and uncertainty. People integrating can get started sooner with what they want to achieve in the Netherlands. That's important, because motivation can fade when dreams seem out of reach.'
What will be decisive for success?
'Good guidance from municipalities. This target group is new to them. We have Courses developed for client managers at municipalities in which we share our knowledge about the intake and guidance of higher educated status holders.'
What does the new law mean for the UAF?
'Sustainable integration does not stop with successful integration. Study and work ultimately determine how you end up and whether you can use your talents for society. It is now up to the municipalities to prepare for a study or job, but we will continue to work for refugee students and professionals who need extra support during the integration process. After integration, we support status holders with study guidance, career orientation and mentoring. We also reimburse study costs that are not reimbursed by DUO or the municipality. And of course we will continue to represent the interests of highly educated refugees. Our most important task in the coming period? Sharing knowledge and experience with people integrating, municipalities, employers and educational institutions. Some municipalities are doing well, others are not quite getting off the ground yet. That's a concern. The UAF is increasingly acting as a sparring partner for municipalities to jointly create the best opportunities for refugee students and professionals.'
We will continue to work for refugee students and professionals who need extra support during their integration process.
Want to know more?
Eline Dragt, municipal policy officer
'I like to think along with you about how we can make a difference in your municipality, so that highly educated refugees make a sustainable start on the labor market.'
Contact us at 030 – 252 08 35.
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