Those who moved to the Netherlands in 2021 and earlier have nothing to fear. The new rules do not apply to them. They will integrate (if required) over the old ones. The law will only affect those who move to the country after January 1, 2022.
Passing integration exams or Inburgering is a prerequisite for obtaining a permanent residence permit and citizenship. Everyone who has received a letter from the Executive Education Agency (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs-DUO) is required to integrate. However, not everyone who arrives in the country for the purpose of permanent residence is obliged to undergo Inburgering. You can read about whether you are one of those who are not required to take exams. here.
How does the Law on Integration (Wet inburgering 2021), which will come into force on January 1, 2022, differ from the previous Law, adopted in 2013?
It contains higher requirements for Dutch language proficiency. Level B1 is required to complete the integration. Let us remind that A2 level is enough now. The law also presupposes a greater involvement of new arrivals in the daily life of the country. Municipalities will actively help migrants in this. The goal is the same - newcomers should find a place for themselves in the local labor market as soon as possible.
What exactly is changing?
- The integration will become more personalized. Municipalities (gemeente) will play an active role in this. Together with the newcomers (migrants and refugees), they will draw up an individual integration plan (persoonlijk Plan Inburgering en Participatie).
- There will be three options for integration:
- B1 language level and work / volunteering. Those obliged to integrate will have to pass language exams at the B3 level within 1 years. It is assumed that migrants, along with training, will work or volunteer.
- Educational path. Suitable for young people who need to get a school certificate as soon as possible.
- Standalone option. For those for whom options 1 and 2 are not suitable.
What doesn't change?
- The state also pays for refugees, and everyone else will pay for exams out of their own pockets.
- The term for integration is the same - 3 years.
