State Secretary Nobel: “Language and work are crucial for newcomers. Therefore, we want this to be better combined. We make it possible for language learning to happen in practice: in the workplace. This way, people can get to work faster and we hit two birds with one stone. Every newcomer must make every effort to learn Dutch and get to work so that they can truly participate in our society.”
In 2021, the Integration Act was introduced with strict requirements: in the Z-route, newcomers must complete 800 hours of language education and 800 hours of participation activities. The cabinet wants to maintain the intensity of the Z-route while also focusing more on learning the language in the workplace. This group will benefit more from learning Dutch in practice. Newcomers in the Z-route will have the opportunity to fulfill 200 hours of language education during (paid) work, such as a starter job. For this, the state secretary will amend the regulations.
Fines for not timely fulfilling integration obligations
Enforcement is also part of the integration obligation. Nobel: “Integration is not optional. An integration obligation also comes with a stick behind the door if someone demonstrably does not cooperate in integrating. If you do not do your best, there must be consequences.”
Since the ruling of the Council of State on July 9, 2025, the implementing organization DUO has been significantly limited in its ability to impose fines if a status holder does not timely fulfill the integration obligation. The state secretary therefore announces plans to work on a legislative amendment so that such fines can be imposed again. Municipalities also have the authority to impose a fine on a newcomer for culpably failing to cooperate in integration. This authority will remain.
Attention for female status holders
The integration policy also pays special attention to female status holders. The state secretary believes it is important that municipalities and integration consultants pay more attention to the vulnerable position of women, particularly those in financial dependency. Or women who may be at risk of harmful practices such as honor-related violence. State Secretary Nobel: “In the Netherlands, men and women are equal. It is important that newcomers learn these norms and values. I want to make agreements with municipalities on how we can better and more effectively guide female status holders into work.”
Holocaust education
Integrating also means getting to know the history and values of the Netherlands. The cabinet believes it is important that newcomers have knowledge of the Holocaust. Therefore, starting next year, visits to Holocaust sites will begin as part of the integration process. A guideline will be prepared for integration teachers to support them in teaching this subject. Visiting an institution or museum as part of Holocaust education contributes to greater knowledge and awareness of this dark chapter in Dutch history. The first visits will take place in 2026 in the form of a pilot.