“The coalition agreement stated that employers are to be given more responsibility for their workers’ language education,” Nobel said in a 12-page outline of his plans to integrate foreign residents into the Netherlands. “More details on improving the language skills of people who don’t have to integrate will be published in the first quarter.”
The measures, he said, will target EU nationals and individuals on work visas who are currently exempt from taking language and other “integration” courses.
Other proposed measures include a renewed effort to establish a Dutch-language imam training program after several previous attempts failed, as well as an increased focus on “the Dutch values and norms of openness and freedom.”
This focus will specifically involve efforts to prevent forced marriages, genital mutilation, and honour-related violence against women and girls, Nobel said.
The cabinet also aims to ensure that refugees with residency permits join the workforce more quickly through “starter jobs.” If they refuse, their social security benefits may be reduced, Nobel warned.
He told television programme WNL later that “yes, there will really be sanctions”, if people who are required by law to pass an integration certificate fail to learn the language.
As outlined in the coalition agreement, education about the Holocaust will be included in inburgering courses, with site visits to historically significant locations.
“The aim of this action plan is to ensure newcomers integrate as quickly as possible through work and language, while embracing the norms and values of our free and open society,” Nobel said.
In the coming period, Nobel said he will “engage with politicians and the broader public” to discuss ways of achieving these goals.
