Changes in civic integration policy have not produced better results

Results of the government’s civic integration policy fail to live up to expectations.

The Civic Integration Act 2013 has led to 50% fewer people passing their integration exams than under the previous act dating from 2007. The number of participants passing exams that are of a higher level than the compulsory level has fallen sharply. This can have a negative impact on the chance of enjoying an education or finding work. The Civic Integration Act 2013 was not properly thought out. Spending cuts have largely removed the municipalities’ central role in the integration process. Asylum seekers seem to have particular difficulty with the principle that they are personally responsible for their compulsory integration. They can be punished if they do not integrate. One of the sanctions, withdrawing the right to residency, has not yet been applied and it is not clear whether fines will help. These findings are presented in the Court of Audit’s report, Civic Integration, First results of the Civic Integration Act 2013.