WORKSHOP 21

Obligatory programmes to integrate newcomers

Tuesday, November 27, 2001

16:00 - 17:30

ORGANIZER

Name:

Miranda Loots

Title:

Drs.

Affiliation/Name of Institution:

Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 20011, 2500 EA The Hague (DCIM), The Netherlands

Courier address (if different)

Schedeldoekshaven 200, The Hague, The Netherlands

Telephone number

31 (0)70-4267152

Fax number:

31 (0)70-4267638

E-mail address:

Miranda.loots@minbzk.nl

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

In this workshop experiences and political views regarding the integration programmes for new immigrants in the first phases of their stay in the receiving countries will be exchanged. The importance of the subject is evident: in many countries it is difficult for newcomers (refugees or other non-western foreigners with permanent residence permits) to find their way in the host society. A language problem, poor access to the labour market or educational systems and difficulties with a different culture and customs prevent these new citizens from fully exploiting their talents.

The Dutch model of the Newcomers Integration Policy will be used as the basis to exchange views on how integration policy should ideally be submitted to newcomers. On 30 September 1998 the Integration of Newcomers Act went into force in The Netherlands. This Act provides a number of obligations and rules during the first year of stay of newcomers, which should lead to a situation in which a newcomer is stimulated to be self-sufficient and independent in Dutch Society as soon as possible. In addition to the presentation of the Dutch model, Geman expiriences with introductory programs and Swedish experiences with introduction programmes in Stockholm will be presented.

After these three presentations, held by policymakers and researchers, the workshop will continue with an interactive discussion by all participants of ethics, best practices, effects, statistics and attitudes towards integration policies all over the world.

DURATION: number of session.

(each session is 1,5 hour)

The workshop consists of three short lectures presenting Swedish, German and Dutch experiences, followed by an interactive discussion of 45 minutes.

PARTICIPANTS

1.    Researchers:

Name:

Prof. Friedrich Heckmann

Institutional Affiliation:

Otto-Friedrich-University of Bamberg

Country:

Germany

2.   Policy-makers

Name:

Mr. Carsten Herstel

Institutional Affiliation:

Minorities Integration Policy Department, Minsitry of Interior and Kingdom Relations

The Netherlands

Ms. Agneta Berner

The City of Stockholm, Integration Department, Stockholm's Immigrant Reception

Sweden

Panel chairman:

Mr. Drs. Rein Zunderdorp, management adviser

The Netherlands