1. National and Municipal Immigrant Policy

2. Immigrant policy –Historical overview: policy and society –Developments in the education for adult immigrants –Some facts and figures about citizenship courses –Sketches of a New Integration Act (de Wet Inburgering) –Discussion

3. Society and policy –The 1970s: The arrival of “guest-workers” in the Netherlands No clear-cut immigrant policy. Dutch language courses by volunteers –The 1980s: “Ethnic minorities are here to stay” Economic recession, mass redundancies Late 1980s: migrants keep coming to the Netherlands Emphasis on multiculturalism, legal equality and economic equality of opportunity, own identity in own community DSL courses by welfare organisations

4. Society and policy –The 1990s: Immigrants keep arriving, low participation levels on the labour market, low education levels. A policy shift towards integration, independence and self reliance. Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) urges government to implement citizenship courses 1998 Newcomers integration Act, citizenship courses for Newcomers (WIN)

5. Society and policy –2000-2005 Pim Fortuyn The “immigrant issue” becomes a major election issue, manifests itself in social debate, TV etc. etc. Taskforce for Integration Arrangements for “oldcomers” A new Integration Act by Minister Verdonk of Alien Affairs and Integration Emphasis on “own responsibility”, language AND norms and values

6. Society and policy –Key players: Central Government (financing, guidelines) Municipalities (implementation and coordination) ROCs (newcomers) Any DSL provider (oldcomers) (providers citizenship courses)

7. Education for Immigrants –In the 1970s and 1980s: volunteers and forerunners of Regional Education Centres (ROCs) –From 1996 in Adult and Vocational Education Act (WEB)

8. Education for Immigrants 1998 Newcomers Integration Act (WIN). Obligation for newcomers from non-western countries to take citizenship courses at ROCs. Municipalities receive funds to provide courses for newcomers. Participants do not have to pass a test

9. Education for immigrants –Contents: Intake Dutch as a Second Language (DSL) Social Orientation and Vocational Orientation Language test within a year Intake at the job centre Program supervision and social coaching Course duration: 600 hrs. for every participant Tilburg: Crown model

10. Education for Immigrants From 2000 Arrangements for oldcomers: –Development of dual programmes Learning the Dutch language Learning other skills (professional and/or social). Both are taught simultaneously and are intertwined. –Can be given by any institute, not necessarily ROCs –Participation on a voluntary basis, except for ppl entitled to social benefit

11. Facts and figures –Largest groups Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans and Somalis (esp. in Tilburg) –All immigrants: About 50% primary school or less –Newcomers: mixed education levels –oldcomers before 1990 in Netherlands less educated than immigrants after 1990 –oldcomers programmes participants: 90% women Low education Mostly young mothers

12. Facts and figures Evaluation WIN for Newcomers in 2002: High participation levels Intake does not lead to diversity in courses, essential for both the lowest en highest categories The WIN fails to take newcomers to a higher level in most cases, the vast majority have insufficient language skills for work or follow-up courses.

13. Facts and figures Last evaluation oldcomers programmes in 2003: Most courses last 6-12 months, intensity 5-14 hrs a week 9% withdraws 45% started at the lowest DSL level 59% do not improve in terms of DSL levels Tilburg: –Participants find courses useful –Demand-led –Appreciate emphasis on verbal skills

14. Act on Integration Abroad Examination –A1- (CEF) Dutch language –Knowledge of Dutch society –Mandatory for Newcomers-to-be (non-refugees) –Exam at the immigrants’ expense –Tests by telephone (speech recognition)

15. New Integration Act –Obligation to take citizenship courses (initially) for all immigrants AND Dutch citizens <8yrs education. 16-65 yrs of age Permanent residence Exception: 8 yrs education in the Netherlands –Dispensation Mental or physical disabilities Diplomas or certificates –Requirements: Both language and knowledge about Dutch society Newcomers: A2 (CEF): verbal and writing skills, 3,5 yrs oldcomers: A2 verbal skills, A1 writing skills, 5 yrs.

16. –Finance: The immigrant has to pay for him/herself. The government can compensate for a certain amount of money, when he/she passes exam within 3 yrs. Municipalities can provide citizenship courses for: –Women without jobs and not entitled to social benefit –Immigrants entitled to social benefit –Imams A personal contribution remains (about €270) Municipalities can fine people for failing exams or for not showing up on appointments.

17. Latest news: –Criticism from Vice Pres. Frattini (European commission) and Council of State (highest administrative court): –Only immigrants in Holland after 1975 –Dispensation for all EU members This means only half of the initial number of immigrants