Integration Act

The government is going to change the integration system. Municipalities will have an important role in assisting newcomers who are obliged to integrate. Not every newcomer is obliged to integrate. This depends, among other things, on the current nationality. 

The new Integration Act will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This new law is called the "Integration Act 2021. Read more about how you can integrate here.

The goal of the Civic Integration Act 2021 is for those who are obliged to participate in civic integration to participate in the Netherlands as soon as possible. And that, in addition, they find work as soon as possible. 

The main changes are:

  • The municipality will assist newcomers who are obliged to integrate in their integration. For asylum status holders, they do this from the moment of linkage to a municipality. 
  • Everyone receives a customized integration. This is done on the basis of a broad intake and the creation of a personal Integration and Participation Plan by the municipality. For asylum status holders, the government pays for integration. 
  • Municipalities also assist family migrants and other migrants. They always pay for their integration themselves. The municipality conducts a broad intake to determine the learning route to be followed. It can also advise on a possible suitable educational institution.
  • People who are obliged to integrate learn the Dutch language at a level that allows them to manage well in the Netherlands. This allows them to participate more quickly in Dutch society and gives them better chances in the Dutch labor market. 
  • A combination of learning the language and participating in Dutch society is an important part of the new integration system. Following an internship or (volunteer) work are examples of this.

Worksheet 'My route to integration'

Under the new Civic Integration Act, it is important that the municipality gets to know its persons integrating well, so that it can properly guide them towards work, school or self-reliance in the Netherlands. The worksheet "Mijn route naar inburgering' provides guidance in the conversations between professional and the person integrating. With this practical tool, the person integrating Map his situation and motivates him to take steps. 

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