Indfødsretsudvalget 2006-07
IFU Alm.del Bilag 77
Offentligt
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The Dutch
Naturalisation Exam
The reasons for its introduction and
its effects
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
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Content of presentation
Research questions
Comparison Integration Interview and
Naturalisation exam
Political Debates
Statistical Analysis
Outcome Interviews
International Comparison
Dutch Integration Act 2007
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
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Research questions
In which way has the language and
integration requirement evolved?
Analysis political debates
What are the intended and unintended
effects of the DNA ’03
Analysis of statistics and interviews
How can the exam be seen in relation to
language and integration requirements in
other European countries?
International comparison
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0004.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0005.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0006.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0007.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0008.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0009.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Conversation on common and daily
affairs
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0010.png
The language and integration requirement: old vs new
practices
Integration Interview
Oral examination, 10% also reading
and writing (Heijs 1988)
Knowledge of language and social
contacts with Dutch nationals
All municipalities
Free of charge
Duration: 15 minutes
Manual for the application of 1985
Act contained general guideline;
room for interpretation by civil
servant
All applicants for naturalisation were
interviewed, flexible treatment of
elderly, illiterates, persons with
limited education and women
Naturalisation Exam
Oral and written examination,
partially by computer
Speaking, understanding, reading
and writing (part II); knowledge of
the Dutch polity and society (part I)
9 Local Educational Centres (ROCs)
Costs: €260 (€92 part I, €168 part II)
Duration: 4 hours
Content test is secret; no
possibilities of preparation
Possibilities of exemption for
applicants with certain diplomas and
applicants with mental or medical
impediments
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0011.png
Exemption
On the basis of diploma
Only high school diploma’s or higher; Surinamese and
Belgian diploma’s no exemption
On the basis of mental or physical
impediment or illiteracy
No possibility of mastering Dutch language level A2 in 5
years to come
Illiterate in Dutch ánd own language; attempted to have
learned Dutch; feasibility research
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0012.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0013.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0014.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0015.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0016.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0017.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0018.png
Political debates
1993: proposal to amend DNA ‘85
Christian Democrats proponents of heavier
language and integration requirement
1998: Newcomers Integration Act
Conservative Liberals and small Christian
Parties support Christian Democrats
Liberal Democrats agree with ‘reading
abilities’
No influence of populist right-wing political
party
Since introduction exam MPs plead for raise
of level
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0019.png
Statistical Consequences of
DNA ‘03
2004: 70% less applications
compared to 2002
2006: 50% less applications
compared to 2002
25% of applicants has taken the exam
46% passes exam
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
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Effects of the exam:
interviews
Goals of the exam:
Uniformity
equality
Greater ability to manage oneself in
society
better integration
Interviews
-
Persons charged with executing the test
-
Immigrants
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0021.png
Problem Categories
Immigrants with little or no education,
elderly, women
level, high fees, secret content and
the absence of possibilities of
preparation they do not take part in
test
Well integrated immigrants that do not
have the right diploma’s
Feelings of frustration and injustice
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0022.png
Less inequality?
Everyone is subjected to the same exam,
unless exemption
But: new inequality:
Level
Costs
Test works as a mechanism of exclusion
Limited exemption grounds
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0023.png
Better integration?
Goal not achieved for the two problem
categories:
Immigrants for whom exam is
important barrier
Immigrants for whom exam is
redundant requirement
Questionable content of exam
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0024.png
International Comparison
Standardised citizenship tests in
Austria, Denmark, Germany and UK
Higher level of language proficiency in
Denmark and Germany
Dutch barriers not found elswhere
Secret content
No possibilities for preparation
High costs
Waiting period
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0025.png
Integration exam
Integration exam replaces
naturalisation exam since 1 April 2007
More exemption grounds
Level remains the same
High fees
effects of the naturalisation exam
hardly influenced integration exam
 IFU, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 77: Materiale fra konferencen "Dansk Indfødsret i europæisk sammenhæng" afholdt torsdag den 14. juni 2007
388405_0026.png
Conclusions
Goals exam not achieved
Content exam and effects not subject of
debate
Practical barriers not put up in other
countries
Possibly level citizenship test will be
adapted
‘Realisation of a system of rising terms and
levels’ (Memorandum ‘readjustment of the
system of integration’ April 2004)