Two new EMN informs on integration

The EMN has recently published two informs that map and compare various measures in the field of integration in EMN Member Countries and Serbia. The report, entitled “Vocational education and training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection”, examines vocational training for both asylum seekers and newlyarrived immigrants, whilst the publication “Language and literacy support measures for adult beneficiaries of international protection” maps language teaching and literacy support operations for beneficiaries of international protection. . The latter report has been produced in collaboration with the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

EMN inform “Vocational education and training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection”

The inform “Vocational education and training of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection” is based on contributions by 26 EMN Member Countries and Serbia. The brief report shows, among other aspects, that in most cases newly-arrived individuals have access to the same education and training programmes as EU citizens, whilst access and provision for asylum seekers may differ. In several cases, EMN Countries organise training programmes and courses specifically targeted at newly-arrived immigrants or asylum seekers, for example in sectors where there is a labour shortage. Validation of prior learning and experience, financial support and tax relief for employers who hire these individuals are other examples of common support measures. The report also highlights challenges and good practices, with language difficulties cited by most EMN Countries as a challenge, whilst cooperation with the business sector is highlighted as a good practice. In Sweden, these vocational training programmes are primarily organised by the Swedish Public Employment Service and the municipalities. The most common training programmes are within the healthcare and social care, and the hospitality sectors (hotel and restaurant).

The EMN-OECD-Council of Europe joint inform “Language and literacy support measures for beneficiaries of international protection”

The joint inform “Language and literacy support measures for adult beneficiaries of international protection” includes contributions by 24 EMN Member Countries and Serbia. Among other aspects, the brief report shows that all EMN Countries, except Hungary, offer some form of language teaching and support measures to newly-arrived immigrants. Language teaching and other courses are generally free of charge and compulsory for newly- arrived adults in eleven EMN Countries. Unauthorised absence may, in some cases, lead to a reduction in benefits. Several countries offer different levels of teaching and various types of adaptations depending on individual’s needs, for example for participants with disabilities or those with children. In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for Swedish for Immigrants (Sfi), and there are also several other types of courses where participants, for example, combine studies in vocational Swedish with internships placements (known as combined courses).