Starting integration early: many European countries aim to do so, but approaches vary

In many countries, asylum seekers who are awaiting a decision can already start learning the language. In Bulgaria and Croatia, people can start working three months after submitting their application, while in Italy they can do so after 60 days. European countries differ in how and to what extent they enable asylum seekers to start integrating while their application is being processed. As in the Netherlands, people applying for international protection (asylum) in many other European countries often have to wait a considerable amount of time for a decision. Whether and how they can start integrating during this period varies significantly from one country to another.

> Read the full EMN inform (a comparison of 25 countries*) and the EMN Netherlands two-pager (a comparison of the research findings from a Dutch perspective)

This is according to comparative research by the European Migration Network (EMN) into measures taken by EU Member States and observer countries of the EMN to promote integration during the asylum procedure.

Starting to learn the language

Language education is often a key pillar. In the Netherlands, asylum seekers can take basic Dutch language classes through the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). Many other countries offer similar opportunities. In Austria, for example, language classes are available online free of charge, while Poland combines face-to-face classes at reception centres with online education. Luxembourg offers intensive language and integration courses combined with workshops on topics such as digital skills, independence and Luxembourgish society. In the Netherlands and most other countries, attending language classes is voluntary. Spain is the only country where it is compulsory.

Waiting times vary

In many countries, early integration also means gaining rapid access to employment or being able to start exploring employment opportunities. Countries often combine early access to the labour market with career guidance, skills training, individual support and cooperation with employers and civil society organisations. The length of time people have to wait before they are allowed to work varies from country to country. In Italy, people can work 60 days after submitting their application, while in Bulgaria and Croatia they can do so after three months. To enable people to gain work experience as quickly as possible and help them become economically self-sufficient, these two countries also offer subsidised employment and cover the costs of vocational training. 

In the Netherlands, the government is currently considering whether the waiting period for asylum seekers to be allowed to work can be reduced from six to three months. The Netherlands asks asylum seekers whose applications have a high likelihood of being successful about their work experience and training. Where possible, this information is then used to allocate a person to accommodation in a region where they have a greater likelihood of finding work. Many COA reception centres also have so-called 'Meedoenbalies', where asylum seekers can find opportunities for volunteering and other forms of civic participation.

A continuous pathway

Once an applicant has been granted international protection, a compulsory integration programme begins in each country. Some countries aim to provide a continuous integration pathway. In these cases, the support offered during the reception phase and the subsequent integration programme are substantively aligned or follow on from one another. In Germany, Spain and France, the two programmes are even formally and directly linked. In France, for example, someone can carry forward the language skills they acquired during the asylum procedure when they start the regular integration programme.

*Participating countries: Austria (AT), Belgium (BE), Bulgaria (BG), Cyprus (CY), Czechia (CZ), Germany (DE), Estonia (EE), Greece (EL), Spain (ES), Finland (FI), France (FR), Croatia (HR), Hungary (HU), Ireland (IE), Italy (IT), Lithuania (LT), Luxembourg (LU), Latvia (LV), the Netherlands (NL), Poland (PL), Sweden (SE), Slovenia (SI), Slovakia (SK), Serbia (RS) and Ukraine (UA).