Integration Process in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a migrant must complete the civic integration process if they are planning on staying for a longer period of time. Newcomers have three years to complete the civic integration process after their arrival in the Netherlands. The civic integration related course can be done in a classroom setting or independently. There is a new law since 2021 where newcomers have more freedom to choose their learning route. In case a migrant is coming to the Netherlands to live with a family member, the integration process begins while he/she is still outside the Netherlands (Ministerie van Algemene Zaken, 2022).

 
To help migrants to figure out how and where to start with the process, a tool is made. The tool gives them a step-by-step plan more specific to their situation (asylum seeker, voluntarily, family) (Step-by-step Plan – Inburgeren – DUO, n.d.). In the three years of the integration process, migrants get to learn the Dutch language and they learn about living and working in the Netherlands.

Besides that, they should try to find a job. Their contact person at the municipality helps them with the process. It is important that the contact person gets to know you better to help you with your plan to integrate and participate (PIP). Expected is that you do your best to achieve your goals.

In addition to the PIP, you also receive help with everything you must arrange and with money matters. You’ll be taught how money matters are arranged in the Netherlands. The contact person at the municipality is there for all the questions and helps getting through the integration process (Gemeente Landgraaf, 2022).

Integration Process in Finland

In Finland, there are different services to help migrants settle, find work, and learn the language. When moving to Finland migrants need to have an initial assessment. During this appointment, the local authority establishes the needed services. During the assessment, the authority collects information about one’s education, work experience and language skills for example. If support for integration is required, the authority will prepare an integration plan after the initial assessment. An integration plan details the measures that will aid the integration. If necessary, the TE office or municipality can guide through the integration training (Integration Into Finland, n.d.).

When arriving in Finland the immigration service will investigate several things, such as if you have relatives in another country or in Finland and if you applied for asylum in another country. After your application is examined in Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service will invite you to an asylum interview. During the interview the reasons for applying for asylum will be examined. After the interview a decision will be made and you will be informed (Maahanmuuttovirasto, 2020).