With the study Perspectief Inburgeraars (Perspective of Newcomers), we are conducting research with BMC and Regioplan into the perspective of people who are integrating into Dutch society, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. OpenEmbassy responsible for the qualitative part, which adds more color to the results of surveys conducted by Regioplan among integration program participants. A total of four reports will be published. The second report was sent to the House of Representatives at the end of November.
Research approach
The study consisted of an online questionnaire and interviews with integration program participants. More than 4,000 people completed the questionnaire, including both asylum seekers and family migrants. We also spoke with people who fall under the Wi2021, as well as people who still fall under the Wi2013. The questionnaires were available in five languages so that everyone could participate. With this broad approach, we wanted to understand the experiences of as many groups as possible: does the Wi2021 work as the ministry intended? And do people who fall under the Wi2013 receive enough help?
In addition, we looked at various aspects of the integration process, such as:
- The speed at which people can get started.
- How well municipalities offer customized services.
- The quality of the lessons.
- How to combine integration with work or other obligations.
“I was motivated to start the integration program from the very first month. I wanted to start earlier, but that wasn't possible, mainly due to the capacity of the schools, waiting lists, and also the start time of these courses.” “I was motivated to start the integration program from the very first month. I wanted to start earlier, but that wasn't possible, mainly due to the capacity of the schools, waiting lists, and also the start time of these courses.”
Research results
The results show that the experiences of integration program participants vary greatly. Some are satisfied with the guidance and opportunities, while others mainly experience obstacles.
Municipalities play a major role in the success of integration. It is important that they provide clear information and good support so that everyone has the opportunity to participate in Dutch society.
What is going well according to integration program participants?
Newcomers also see positive aspects in the new integration system:
- Customization: Many integration program participants appreciate being listened to attentively during the intake interviews. Personal attention and interpreters make the process clearer and more pleasant.
- Language support: When municipalities offer additional opportunities to practice Dutch, such as language cafés or language buddies, this is greatly appreciated.
- Financial assistance: Many people find the assistance with fixed expenses and money management to be beneficial.
- Planning for the future: The Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP) often ties in well with the ambitions of those integrating into society.
- Contact with the municipality: If there is a good relationship with the contact person, integration participants feel more supported and understood.
These points show that important steps are being taken to help immigrants integrate. It is important to build on these positive experiences and improve them where necessary.
What could be better?
Newcomers indicate that improvements are possible:
- More information: People want better explanations about work, finances, and integration opportunities.
- Faster start-up: Less waiting time between different parts of the process.
- Practical learning: More opportunities to practice Dutch in real life and more opportunities to participate directly, for example through paid work.
- Less stress: Better alignment of language lessons with the personal situation of integration program participants.
Download Report
"Research Perspective on Newcomers; results 2023-2024"
Online Knowledge Session
Improve integration in your municipality with insights from immigrants themselves.
On February 20, OpenEmbassy, Regioplan, and BMC organized an Online Knowledge Session.
