Introduction to the compilation of the answers to the questionnaireBSPC WORKING GROUP ON MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION MEETING IN COPENHAGEN, 21STOF JUNE 201812. IFAVAILABLE, PLEASE, PROVIDEINFORMATIONREGARDINGTHEPOPULATIONSTRUCTUREOFYOURCOUNTRY/ REGIONDemographics2Citizens Total in Relation to People with Migration Background83.000.000 38.512.000 10.619.263 5.781.190 5.258.317 5.503.297 2.847.904 2.109.742 13191331.860.759 2.881.926 1.610.674 29.214 18.600.000 2.355.000 2.474.411 591.678 883.751 243.639 127.351 839.820 413456631.246 210.415 74.143 10.4671 100 10.000 1.000.000totalmigration background*The answers submitted by Poland, Estonia and Latvia seemed to refer to another group, so we used other statistics provided by the government online (PL: Census 2011, stat.gov.pl/ EE: Census 2018, pub.stat.ee/ LV: Census 2018, pmlp.gov.lv)3Total Citizens in Relation to Migration Background (National)- 10.000.000 20.000.000 30.000.000 40.000.000 50.000.000 60.000.000 70.000.000 80.000.000 90.000.000GermanyPolandSwedenDanmarkNorwayFinlandLithuaniaLatviaEstoniatotalmigration background*The answers submitted by Poland, Estonia and Latvia seemed to refer to another group, so we used other statistics provided by the government online (PL: Census 2011, stat.gov.pl/ EE: Census 2018, pub.stat.ee/ LV: Census 2018, pmlp.gov.lv)4Total Citizensin Relation toMigration Background (Regional)HamburgSchleswig-HolsteinMecklenburg-VorpommernÅlandtotal1.860.759 2.881.926 1.610.674 29.214 migration background631.246 210.415 74.143 10.467 - 500.000 1.000.000 1.500.000 2.000.000 2.500.000 3.000.000 3.500.0005Percentage of People with and without Migration Background (Part 1)90% 10% Denmark77% 23% Sweden96% 4% Finland83% 17% Norwaynomigrationbackgroundmigrationbackground6Percentage of People with and without Migration Background(Part 2)78% 22% Germany96% 4% Lithuania69% 31% Estonia94% 6% Poland60% 40% Latvianomigrationbackgroundmigrationbackground*The answers submitted by Poland, Estonia and Latvia seemed to refer to another group, so we used other statistics provided by the government online (PL: Census 2011, stat.gov.pl/ EE: Census 2018, pub.stat.ee/ LV: Census 2018, pmlp.gov.lv)7Migration Background (Regional)95% 5% Mecklenburg-Vorpommern66% 34% Hamburg93% 7% Schleswig-Holstein64% 36% Ålandnomigrationbackgroundmigrationbackground8PercentageofPeople withMigration Background withineachAge Range1% 1% 5% 1% 3% 8%2% 1% 2% 5%2% 4% 6% 2% 8% 9%1% 2% 4% 1% 6% 5%1% 2% 2% 4% 1% 9% 5%1% 1% 2% 7% 3%0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% FinlandDanmarkLithuaniaSwedenMecklemburg-VorpommernÅlandHamburg0-1718-2526-4041-5051-6566+*The Age Ranges in Poland, Lithuania, Finland and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern slightly differed: 0-17; 18-24; 25-39; 40-49; 50-64; 65+ and in Sweden they were: 0-18; 18-25; 25-40; 40-50; 50-65; 65+ 9PercentageofPeople Living in Urban orRural Areas withineachAge Range0-17 urban 0-17 urban 0-17 urbanruralruralrural18-25 urban 18-25 urban 18-25 urbanrural26-40 urban 26-40 urban 26-40 urbanruralruralrural41-50 urban 41-50 urban 41-50 urbanruralruralrural51-65 urban 51-65 urban 51-65 urbanruralruralrural66+ urban 66+ urban 66+ urbanruralruralrural0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% PolandDanmarkÅland*The Age Ranges in Poland, Lithuania, Finland and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern slightly differed: 0-17; 18-24; 25-39; 40-49; 50-64; 65+ and in Sweden they were: 0-18; 18-25; 25-40; 40-50; 50-65; 65+ 10Percentage of People with Migration Background within each Age Range3% 2% 8% 6% 9% 7% Åland8%5% 9% 5% 5% 3% Hamburg1%2% 1% 1% 1% 0% Mecklemburg-Vorpommern0-1718-2526-4041-5051-6566+11Percentage of People with Migration Background within each Age Range1% 1%4% 2% 2% 1% Denmark5%2%6% 4% 4% 2% Sweden0% 0% 0% 0%2% 1% Lithuania1% 0%2% 1% 1% 0% Finland0-1718-2526-4041-5051-6566+12Prognosis for203883.000.0005.781.19010.619.2632.881.9261.860.75929.214 80.010.0006.231.99812.300.0002.922.2731.944.00033.7991 10 100 1.000 10.000 100.000 1.000.000 10.000.000 100.000.000GERMANYDANMARKSWEDENSCHLESWIG-HOLSTEINHAMBURGÅLANDTodayIn 20 Years13Immigration LawWHATARETHESIGNIFICANTRULESFORIMMIGRATION? E. G. DOESAN IMMIGRATIONLAWEXIST?14CountryFinlandDenmarkLithuaniaSwedenLatviaGermanyNorwayEstoniaPolandYes, significantrulesforimmigrationexist.þþþþþYes, an immigrationlawexits.þþþþþþþSignificant Rules & Immigration Law15FinlandThe Aliens Act (301/2004) regulatesall issuesrelatedtoimmigrationin FinlandSwedenImmigration isregulatedundertheAliens Act (2005:716) andtheAliens Ordinance(2006:97)NorwayThe significantrulesforimmigrationsfollowsfromtheNorwegianImmigration Act andtheImmigration regulations.The rulesregardingimmigrationetc. arecontainedin The DanishAliens Act, Furthermore, therearea numberofexecutiveordersetc., SiginificantRules exist.Denmark1617LatviaProvisionsregardingtherightsofpersonstoreceiveasylum, acquirerefugeeoralternative status(subsidiaryprotection) orreceivetemporaryprotectionin LatviaarestipulatedbytheAsylumLawEstoniaA third-country national must havea legal basistostayin Estonia. Forentryandresidence, eithera visaora residencepermitcanbeappliedfor.The entryofthird-country nationalsintoEstonia, theirtemporarystay, residenceandemploymentin Estonia, aswellastheirobligations, areregulatedin theAliens ActLithuaniaLaw on theLegal Status ofAliens ◦establishestheprocedureofentryanddeparture, stayandresidence,grantingofasylumandtemporaryprotectionin theRepublicofLithuania, ◦theprocedureofintegrationandlodgingofappealsagainstthedecisionsconcerningthelegal statusofaliens◦andregulatesotherissuesrelatingtothelegal statusofaliensin theRepublicofLithuania(MinistryofInterior)GermanyForthirdcountrynationals(i.e. not EU citizens) thelegal foundationsoftheResidenceAct setforththepossibilitiesforlabour/education, refugeeandfamilymigration. Ofspecialsignificancehereisthefactthattheresidencepermits–whichareinitiallytemporary–open upthepossibilityofpermanent residence. The provisionsoftheResidenceAct thuscontainvariousdifferent “Immigration opportunities” whichcanultimatelyleadtoa permanent andunconditionalrightofresidence(settlementpermitunderSection9 ResidenceAct andEU permanent residencestatusunderSection9a ResidenceAct). The prerequisiteforthischangeofstatusandforpermanent andunconditionalimmigrationissuccessfuleconomicandsocialintegration. The ResidenceAct accordinglymakestheimprovedresidencepermitcontingenton certainintegrationexpectations(e.g. languageskills, economicindependence) beingmet, cf. Sections9 (2-4), 9a (2) ResidenceAct. The fiveyearsofpriorresidenceusuallyalso requirednowalso appliesasa generalruletoasylumseekersandrefugeessincetheamendmentsintroducedbytheIntegration Act ofAugust 2016 (previouslythreeyearsofpriorresidence), andfurthermoreonlyifintegrationrequirementsaremet, Section26 (3) sentence1 ResidenceAct.18PolandAmongmostsignificantrulesofPolishmigrationlawitshouldbementioned◦Two-tier administrative procedure, ◦Righttojuridicalrevisionofthecase,◦Requirementoflegalityofentry, stayandperformingworkactivity,◦Protectionofnational workforce(labourmarkettestasgeneralrule, withexceptions),◦Targetedruleson stayandscopeofrights, dependingon thepurposeofstayandthemigrationcategory,◦Future possibilitytodeterminevolumeofadmission(noeffecttoEU citizens).SeveralOther national legal actsregulatingimmigrationtoPolandexist. E.g. Act on grantingprotectiontoforeignerswithintheterritoryoftheRepublicofPoland, Act on employmentpromotionandlabourmarketinstitutionsamongstothers19PolandA veryimportantfactordeterminingthemigrationpolicyofPolandistheEU membership. As partofEU activitiesin thefieldofmigration, twoaspectsmaybedistinguished:•internal migrationtakingplacewithintheframeworkoffreemovementofpersons(employees) betweentheMember States oftheCommunity,•externalmigration(legal andillegal) fromthirdcountries.In principle, internal migrationsarenot subjecttoanylimitationsandarean importantinstrumentensuringequilibriumon theEU labormarket. The Union isalso developingacommonpolicyon immigration(includingasylumandexternalbordercontrols). Regardingtheimmigrationofthird-country nationals, theEU takesmeasuresin areassuch asentryandresidenceconditions, proceduresforissuinglong-term visasandresidencepermits, definingtherightsofthird-country nationalsresidinglegallyin thestateillegal immigrationandillegal stayorcombatinghuman trafficking, especiallyofwomenandchildren.The mostimportantturningpointin thefieldofmigrationpolicyin Polandoverthelast fewyearswas theadoptionofthestrategicdocumententitledThe PolishMigration Policy: currentstateofplayandfurtheractionsof2012 (supplementedbytheAction Plan approvedin 2014). However, due tounforeseenanddynamicallychangingcircumstancesrelatedinparticulartothemigrationcrisisin theEU, thesedocumentswererepealedin October2016. Currently, workisongoingtodevelopa newPolishmigrationpolicy. 20RequirementsforAcceptanceofAsylum4. WHATARETHEREQUIREMENTSFORTHEACCEPTANCEOFASYLUM?21RequirementsforAcceptanceofAsylumFINLANDWhena personcannotrelyon theprotectionoftheauthoritiesofhis/her homecountryorcountryofpermanent residencebecauseofthepersecutionfear.The Finish Immigration Service will evaluatewhetheran applicantmeetsthegroundsforgettingasylum. The criteriaforasylumaredefinedin theFinnishlaw(Aliens Act) andinternational agreementsthatFinlandhasadopted.DENMARKProtection status: if the alien risks the death penalty or being subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in case of return to his country of origin. Temporary protection status: An alien who –due to a particularly serious situation characterized by arbitrary violence and attacks on civilians in the country of origin–risks the death penalty or being subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in case of return to his country of origin is granted temporary protection status22Requirements for Acceptance of AsylumESTONIAUpon assessing persecution, it does not matter whether the alien has a real basis for persecution or only the circumstance of persecution.Subsidiary protection is granted to an alien [...] believing that his or her return or expulsion to his or her country of origin may result in a serious risk in the specified country, including:1)imposition or execution of death penalty on him or her, or2)torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of him or her, or3)individual threat to his or her life or the lives of civilians or violence towards him or her or civilians by reason of international or internal armed conflict.LITHUANIASubsidiary protection in the Republic of Lithuania may be granted to the applicant for asylum who is outside the borders of his/her country of origin and cannot return due to entirely reasonable fear that:1)she/he will be tortured, subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;2)there is a threat that s/he will be imposed capital punishment or execution;3)his/her life, health,safety or freedom is under threat as a result of indiscriminate violence which emerged during an international or internal armed conflict.23RequirementsforAcceptanceofAsylumPolandIn additiona foreignerwhodoesnot meettheconditionsfora refugeestatus, isgrantedsubsidiaryprotectionin caseswherea returntothecountryoforiginmayexposehimtoa real riskofseriousharmby1)a deathpenaltysentenceoran executiontobecarriedout,2)torture, inhumane ordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,3)a seriousandindividualisedlifeorhealthhazardasa resultofcommonuseofviolencetowardstheciviliansin a situationofan international orinternal militaryconflict-anddue tothisriskhe maynot ordo not wishtoreturntohiscountryoforigin.24RequirementsforAcceptanceofAsylumSWEDENA ‘person otherwise in need of protection’ is an alien who in cases other than those referred to before is outside the country of the alien’s nationality, because he or she 1)feels a well-founded fear [...]2)needs protection because of external or internal armed conflict or[...]3)or is unable to return to the country of origin because of an environmental disaster. The corresponding applies to a stateless alien who is outside the country in which he or she has previously had his or her usual place of residence GERMANYThe international subsidiaryprotectionbasedon theEU QualificationsDirectivestipulatesthattheforeignermust facethethreatof“seriousharm” forinstance“byreasonofindiscriminateviolencein situationsofinternational orinternal armedconflict” The national deportationbans, whichrefertotheEuropean Conventionon Human Rightsorwhichmayarisedue toa substantial concretedangertolife, limborliberty, also form partofsubsidiaryprotection.25RequirementsforAcceptanceofAsylumLATVIAFor Refugee status may apply as well a stateless person, who being outside his former country of permanent residence is unable or unwilling to return there due to the same reasons and to whom respective conditions when refugee status is not granted do not apply.A person may not apply for refugee status if he or she is a national of more than one country and does not use legal protection in any of the countries of his or her citizenship without justified reason. The country of citizenship of a person shall be each country of which the person is a citizenNORWAYAsylum is also granted if the applicant nevertheless faces a real risk of being subjected to the death penalty, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment upon return to the country of origin. The right to be recognized as a refugee does not apply if the foreign national can obtain effective protection in other parts of his or her country of origin than the area from which the applicant has fled.26Dual Citizenship5. DOESYOURCOUNTRYALLOWDUAL CITIZENSHIP?27ConditionsforDual CitizenshipDenmarkSwedenFinlandPolandLatviaDenmarkallowsfordual citizenshipwithnorestrictions.As of1.September 2015. Swedenallowsdual citizenship. Therearenospecialconditionstodual citizenshipin Sweden.Finlandacceptsmultiple citizenship. Finnishcitizenmayalso bea citizenofsomeothercountry. Even ifa Finnishcitizenhasmorethanonecitizenship, theFinnishauthoritieswill considerhimorher tobea Finnishcitizenbothin Finlandandabroad. Polishcitizenhavingat thesame time, citizenshipofanotherState hasthesame rightsandobligationsasa personwithonlyPolishcitizenship.Polishcitizenofanothercountry/ countries will betreatedonlyasPolishcitizen(he isnot relytobetreatedasforeignersbyPolishauthorities).Latviaallowsdual citizenship. Dual citizenshipmaybeacquiredonlyifa personhascitizenshipof-Member State oftheEuropean Union, -Member State oftheEuropean Free Trade Association, -Member State oftheNorth AtlanticTreaty Organisation-Commonwealth ofAustralia, the-FederativeRepublicofBrazil, New Zealand-orcitizenshipofa countrypreviouslynot referredtoifan authorisationoftheCabinetofMinisters hasbeenreceived.28Conditions for Dual CitizenshipGermanyEstoniaLithuaniaNorwayMultiplecitizenship should be avoided. Multiple citizenship is accepted -If Children grew up in Germany, habitually resident in GER for a period of eight years/ attended school inGER for six years /haveGerman school-leaving qualification / vocational qualification (since late 2014) -if the law of the foreign state does not provide for its citizens relinquishing their citizenship, -the foreign state regularly refuses to release people from citizenship -or makes it dependent on conditions which cannot be met -if the loss of foreign citizenship would entail substantial disadvantages. -if there is a special public interest in naturalisation (e.g. for athletes)The basis of the Estonian citizenship policy is that an Estonian citizen cannot be a citizen of another state at the same time. -With regard to minors, dual citizenship will be allowed, no matter if the child acquired Estonian citizenship by birth or through naturalisation.If they have dual citizenship, they shall renounce either the Estonian or the other country’s citizenship within 3 years after attaining the age of 18 years. -There is another exception: beneficiaries of international protection granted by Estonia or any other EU member state, if the circumstances, which constituted the basis for granting the permission, have not ceased to exist. Noone may be a citizen of both the Republic of Lithuania and another state at the same time. Exceptions:-if they acquired a citizenship of R. o.Lithuania and a citizenship of another state by birth;-a person, who was exiledfrom/left an occupied R. o.Lithuania before 11.03.1990and their descendants -marrying a citizen of another state and acquiring that state‘s citizenship automatically;-a person who is adopted by the citizen(-s) of R. o.Lithuania/of another state until that person turned 18 and haven‘t reached 21 and of this reason acquired a citizenship of another state;-was granted a citizenship of R. o.Lithuania by way of an exception/ for special merits for the state of Lithuania-acquired a citizenship of R. o.Lithuania by a grant of refugee status.Initially, Norway does not allow dual citizenship.An exception may be granted if release is deemed to be legally or practically impossible, or for other reasons seems to be unreasonable. In addition to this, Norway also allows people who gets dual citizenship by birth to keep both nationalities.At the end of 2017 the Government initiated an official hearing of a proposal to allow dual citizenship. The official hearing will be closed 20 March.29Work Permit6. WHATARETHECONDITIONSTOOBTAINA WORKPERMIT?30CountryFinlandDenmarkSwedenNorwaySpecial conditionsEU / EEA CitizensþNeedtoregistertheirrightofresidence. þþ+ EFTA(CH)ResidencepermitþþEU Blue CardþþVisa neededþPermissionofemploymentþþþHas been offered a jobþþþMore Conditions-amountandtypesofworka personisallowedtodo-appropriatesalaryforhis/her work(enoughtosupporthim/her fortheentiretime yourresidencepermitisvalid)-isnot a dangertopublicorderandsecurity/ topublichealth/ isnot a dangertoFinland’sinternational relations-min.annual salary of DKK 417,793.60-Highly qualified employees incertified companies (27):. the school and education system, career planning, using computers and German language-learning programmes No independent and individual legal advice.There is, however, a three-month pilot project on “asylum procedure advice” (no results publishedyet)35CountryEstoniaLithuaniaLatviaPolandWho is entitled to advisory services? all migrants / asylum seekersrefugeesforeignersasylum seekers What kindof service?council one-stop-shoplegal assistance in certain casesinformation about the asylum law,Who is providingthe services?Police and Boarder Guard Board (PBGB), the Ministry of Culture (Tallinn and Narva)/ the Ministry of Social affairsForeigners Integration Centres (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda)Legal Aid Administration (Ministry of Justice)Office for ForeignersMore-Council for migrantson the procedures of obtaining and extending visas, residence permits etc. with view of ensuring their legal entry and stay in Estonia. -includes counselling companies/higher education institutions wishing to invite foreign nationals for work / study-Provide asylum seekerswithinformation about the rights and obligations of the applicants and assistance in communication with authorities, e.g. assistance applying for state legal aid etc.One-stop-shop:-information, consultation, mediation, representation and other social assistance-Lithuanian language courses-Civic orientation courses-Legal assistance services-Psychological counselling-Organizing joint events with community-Education and training services to facilitate integration into labour market -It should be noted as well, that in cases provided for in the Law, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees can receive legal assistance free of charge-Websiteprovides information to all foreigners-all necessary support and instructions on particular cases need to be provided in such a way as to increase the trust of citizens in the State bodies and public awareness and appreciation of the law-obligation to provide full and proper information to the parties regarding the factual and legal circumstances which may affect the establishment of their rights and the obligations that are the subject of the administrative proceedings 36ÅlandHamburgSchleswig-HolsteinMecklenburg-Vorpommern§Every migrant who is in contact with social services / the local employment office has the right to a so-calledpersonal integration plan,based on each person’s individual background, experience, needs and wishes. §The municipal officer or employee at the employment office can then see what measures/support society can offer, as well as pointing to activities organised by civil society that can help further the integration process of each individual.§Integration plans can also be made up for minors and whole families. §There is a small information office for immigrants funded by the Ålandgovernment§general information about life on the ÅlandIslands set up on a website (in 7 languages)-maintained &fundedby the government§Regional Integration-centres provide aid for adult immigrants. §The Refugee-centre Hamburg provides services for children without documents.§The Amira Consultation helps are victims of discrimination. §The Rom and Cinti Union e.V. provides help for Roma and Sinti / Turkish Community Hamburg is helping immigrants with the right to stay.§Hamburg Welcome Centre is open for all newcomers to the city of Hamburg & gives information about the city itself but also about questions like Housing, Schools, labour market social security system....).§The program W.I.R (work and integration for refugees)was founded to help refugees in a holistic way. Its major concern is to prepare and integrate the refugees for and in the labour market§Schleswig Holstein Immigration Counselling [MigrationsberatungSchleswig-Holstein (MBSH)]:Service point for all items regarding right of residence as well as general integration issues and is freely available for everyone regardless of the residency status.§„Allean Bord“ (financed by the land Schleswig-Holstein) and „MehrLand in Sicht“ (financed by European Social Fund via federal ministry of labour and social affairs) are focused on individualized consultations towards asylum seekers and refugees regarding laborand vocational training.§Reception centre Stern Buchholz social advice for asylum seekers which are likely to stay permanently§Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany(Zentralwohlfahrtsstelleder Juden) especially counsels Jewish migrants§“Work for Refugees” (Netzwerk“ArbeitfürFlüchtlinge”)provides counselling and support for the access to work and apprenticeship, particularly for refugees§“Integration through Qualification” advises for the recognition of vocational qualifications acquired in foreign countries (Funded by the Federation)§The network of migrant organisations in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern “MigranetM-V” advises migrant-self-organisations in particular concerning their political and social participation37Language Courses8. ARE COURSESPROVIDEDBYTHEGOVERNMENT, SUCH ASLANGUAGECOURSESORCOURSESE.G. FORCIVICEDUCATIONORVOCATIONALTRAINING?388.Language CoursesNameÅlandFinlandDenmarkLithuaniaHamburgSwedenLatviaGermanyNorwaySchleswig-HolsteinMecklenburg-VorpommernEstoniaPolandLanguage courses are provided.þþþþþþþþþþþþþIntegration Courses are provided.þþþþþþþþþþþVocational training is provided.þþþþþSpecifications and Additional ProgrammesIntegration courses focus on language, employment trainee-ships and information about society and culture.work activities : -maintaining the yard-Cleaning-Personal work and study activity plan -course on the Finnish society 1) Intro-ductoryCourses (asylum seekers)language, culture and society. 2)Danish, English or a native language is required 3) The integration programme (Foreigners with a residence permit )“Work opportunities in Latvia”: A Social-economic inclusion programme including study visits to educational institutions and employers etc.. Norwegian social studiesSpecified courses for alphabet-ization, for rapid learners, for literacy skills, for women and young adults are offered. ‘STAFF’(starter-kits for refugees)integrations measures at educational institutions for qualified refugees. Atandem, consisting of a Syrian and a German employee for political educationat vocational schools.The Welcoming programme provides language tuition up to level A1 amongst other topics.398b. ChargesNameÅlandFinlandDenmarkLithuaniaHamburgSwedenLatviaGermanyNorwaySchleswig-HolsteinMecklenburg-VorpommernEstoniaPolandAre the courses free of charge?þþþþþþþþSpecial conditions & ExceptionsIntegration courses are free. General language courses in Swedish on A1.1-B1.2-levels for a small fee (50-130 €/semester) At the reception centres. Foreigners with a residence permitand asylum seekers don‘t need to pay feesfor the introductory and the integration programme.Only for refugees during their integration period.The Riga City Council supports the Latvian language courses for the residents of Riga free of charge.A cost contribution is charged for attendance in line with the stipulations of Ordinance on Integration Courses. Upon application, people eligible to attend who are claiming certain benefits are exempt from the costs. Foreign nationals between 16 and 55 get a minimum of 600 hours of Norwegian language training and social studies (within the first three years). Federal funding covers also transport-ationallowance of the participants and as far as necessary child care during the course duration. But Employed persons with own income mustbear the costs themselves. Some Exceptions can be made; Project „Introduction German”: The participation is free of charge. The Welcoming programme is free of charge and for persons not beneficiaries of international protection, not compulsory.Yes, the courses of Polish language are free of charge for asylum seekers. Also student’s books and pens etc. are free for participants.408c.Obligatory CoursesNameÅlandFinlandDenmarkLithuaniaHamburgSwedenLatviaGermanyNorwaySchleswig-HolsteinEstoniaPolandAre there obligatory courses?ÏSomeþþÏþÏSomeSomeSomeSomeÏOnly for the followingThey are obligatory. If an asylum seeker refuses to attend work and study activities, his/her financial support may be reduced.For a person to be able to receive Permanent Residence Permit, the person has to prove Latvian language knowledge at A2 level.Obligation: -if the person cannot speak simple German, -in the scope of claiming benefits -or if there is a special need for integration, -Asylum seekers with good prospects of remaining in Germany may also be obliged to attend an integration course ènot attending leads to benefit cuts.Work immigrants and their family members, Refugees and their families (ranted a residence permit) Basically, all those groups of persons mentioned (recognized refugees /individuals with prospects of permanent residence) are admitted to participate in the integration courses, or may even be obliged to participate (with the exception of teaching units for initial orientation) . Participation in the STAFF courses is on a voluntary basis. For persons beneficiaries of international protection.41Benefits9. WHATKINDOFBENEFITSEXISTFORMIGRANTS/ ASYLUMSEEKERS?42FinlandReception allowance: §clothing expense§small-scale health care expenses§costs of using local transport §Telephone§other corresponding§food and everyday expenses of the individual and family when the reception centre does not provide meal serviceSupplementary reception allowance: Special needs or circumstances of the individual or family when these are deemed appropriate.Basic component per month is: Ø312.23 € (91.52 €*) for persons living alone and for single parents. Ø263.78 € (75.36 €*) for other persons over 18 years Ø199.18 € (59,21 €*) for a child who lives with his/her parents *If the reception centre offers mealsSpending allowance per month (if the reception centre provides full board)Ø26.92 € unaccompanied minor (under 16 years)Ø48.44 € for minors (16 or 17 years)DenmarkAsylum seekers get: ØNecessary healthcare & social servicesØAdult education and other activitiesØAccommodation at an asylum centreØTransport costs to and from meetings with public officialsØhealthcare providers etc.ØCash allowances for asylum seekers over the age of 18, who do not receive free meals at their accommodation centre: ØDKK 51.32 per adult, per day, ØDKK 40.63 when lives with spouse/partnerAsylum seekers get: ØThe option to stay at a reception centre while their asylum case is being processed. ØThey also have access to a range of public services including healthcare. ØIn addition asylum seekers receive financial support.Norway44SwedenAsylumseekersget: Financial supportiftheasylumseekerdo not havetheownabilitytosupporthimorherself:◦71 kr/day (24 kr/day*) for adults who are alone ◦61 kr/day (19 kr/day*) per person for adults who share household expenses ◦37 kr/day (12 kr/day*) for children 0–3 years< ◦43 kr/day (12 kr/day*) for children 4–10 years old ◦50 kr/day (12 kr/day*) for children 11–17 years old *in accommodationwherefoodisincludedThereareotherfinancialsupportthatasylumseekerscanapplyfor.Asylumseekersin Swedenhavetherighttoacutehealthcare. LatviaAsylumseekersget: 3,00 € daily allowance till decision on their status is taken. (For buying food and hygiene goods) asylum seekers can reside in the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Centre Muceniekiif a refugee does not have sufficient means, they may request: ◦single financialsupport◦278,00 € foran adult◦194, 00 for a minor persoor the second adult in a marriage◦andbenefits◦139,00 € benefit per month for an adult, ◦97,00 € for a minor or the second adult in a marriage◦Allowance for the coverage of residence expensesLithuaniaAsylumseekersget: ØsocialintegrationbenefitsØStayat theRefugeereceptioncentrereceiveØ85,4 € Monthlysubsitenceduringtheperiodofintegration(upto12 months)ØOne-time allowanceforsettlementat themunicipalitypartial compensationformonthlyrentaccommodationexpensesfora person(dependson municipality) ØCompensationofmonthlykindergartenexpensesforchildrenØOne-time allowanceforthepupiltostartschoolØThird-country nationalsstayingin Estonia underresidencepermitenjoythesame benefitsandsocialassistanceasEstoniancitizens.Familysupportisuniversal. ØSubsistencebenefitispaid, ifnetincomeafter payingrentandcommunalcostswill belessthano140€ per adult orfirstmemberofthefamily,o112€ per secondmemberofthefamilyo168€ per minor Estonia46GermanyForeigners capable of work get: Øbasic social security benefits: approximately EUR 400 for single adults per monthØthe cost of accommodation/heatingØother additional needs (e.g. education and participation packages for children, young people and young adults). Exceptionsfor EU citizens not in employment not previously employed in the Federal Republic in the first five years of living in Germany: No basic social security benefits (but bridging benefits). Exceptions for asylum seekers, but also foreigners (granted special humanitarian residence permits): basic social security benefits in the form of material and/or cash benefits (First 15 months of their stay)Foreigners applying for international protection get: a)Assistance in the centre for foreigners:ØaccommodationØ9 PLN per day or a full board collective (children are entitled to three years of age and children attending kindergartens and primary schools and junior high schools)Ø50 PLN per Month "pocket money" Ø20 PLN per month constant financial assistance for the purchase of sanitary and hygienic articles Ø140 PLN a one-time financial assistance for the purchase of clothing and footwear in the amountØrefunding of travel costs for medical, recreational, administrational or professional reasonsb)Social assistance outside of the centre for foreigners -benefit in cash covering the cost of stay on the territory of Poland. Poland47Family Reunification10. ARE THERE POSSIBILITIES FOR FAMILY-REUNIFICATION?48Family ReunificationNameFinlandDenmarkLithuaniaSwedenLatviaGermanyNorwayEstoniaPolandPossibilitiesforFamily reunifications✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅Visaneeded✅✅✅HowisFamily definedspouse/ registered partner/ a cohabiting partner/ guardian of a child under 18 years of age/childspouses / childrenspouses/ cohabiting partners / children under the age of 18minor children>18 /adultsunderthecustodyspouses / minor unmarried children / parentsSpouses/ children/ parentsspouse/minor childrenspouses* / minor childConditionsforthirdcountrynationalyespeciallyrefugees, asylumseekersandPersonswithgrantedsubsidaryprotectionFamily members( ofpersonswithgrantedasylum/ quotarefugees(if application within 3 months) withoutan incomerequirement, ifthefamilytiesexistedbeforeWhena personisnot a national froma visafreecountry, a visaisrequiredforshortstaysuntil90 dayswithintheSchengen area. Relatives may come to visit family member and obtain a temporary residence permit, usually issued for 1 year; later it may be replaced with a permit valid for 2 years. Relative may obtain a national visa.FromJuly2016 to2019: temporaryactlimitingtherightstofamilyreunification: asylumseekerswhoaredeemedeligibleforsubsidiaryprotectionwill not havetherighttofamilyreunificationiftheyhadnot appliedforasylumbefore.Asylumseekers,after residingin Latvia(min.2 years) reunifyfamilywithspouse, Conditions: -sufficientfinancialmeans/placeofresidence-familymembersdo not posea threat-healthinsurancepolicy-IssuanceofvisasissubjecttoSchengen rules.-Asylum seekers and refugees do not need to proof sufficient living space / sufficient means to support (if application within 3 months)* , **The referencepersonmust havea steadysourceofincome. Somecasesareexemptedfromthisrequirement. Beneficiariesofintern. protectioncanreunifytheirfamilymembers,iftheyappliesfora visa, arrivetoEstonia andapplyforasylumstatingthereasonbeinga familyreunification. A personwithrefugeestatus/ granteda subsidiaryprotection, subsequent temp.residencepermit(min.2 years) mayreunitewith“family” The applicantisnot requiredtohavehealthinsurance/ a sourceofstableandregularincome, / a guaranteedplaceofresidencein Poland(application6-month after grantedrefugeestatusorsubsidiaryprotection)49Evictions11. COULDYOUINFORMUSABOUTTHENUMBEROFEVICTIONSACTIVITIESANDWHODECIDES?50ProposedQuestions:The questionstobeansweredwouldbe:•Howmanyasylumseekersaskedfora permitiontostayin 2015 / 2016 / 2017?•Howmanyvoluntaryreturnshavebeendocumentedin 2015 / 2016 / 2017?•HowmanyEvictionshavebeenissuedin 2015 / 2016 / 2017? •Howmanyforcedreturneshavebeendocumentedin 2015 / 2016 / 2017?51Evictions*GermanyPolandFinlandDanmarkSwedenNorwayLithuaniaLatviaEstoniaSchleswig-HolsteinMecklemburg-Vorpommern2015208621.0221897396114047782544439215757044482016253758852031457620142807717735515384034962017239661.37527492879132125434103187165338270405000100001500020000250003000052Who isResponsibleforEvictions?GermanyPolandFinlandDenmarkSwedenNorwayLithuaniaLatviaEstoniaSchleswig-HolsteinMecklemburg-VorpommernFederal Office forMigration andRefugees(lowerauthoritytotheministryofinterior)PolishBorderGuardThe FinnishImmigration Service (undertheMinistryoftheInterior)Ifthealiendoesnot leavevoluntarily, theDanishPolice will makethearrangementsforhis/her departure. SwedishMigration Agency orthePolice DirectorateofImmigration andourMigration Appeals Board theMigration Department, thepoliceortheState BorderGuardService undertheMinistryoftheInterioroftheRepublicofLithuania(hereinafter “State BorderService”), whiletheenforcementofdecisionsshallbecontrolledbythepoliceandtheState BorderGuardService. A voluntaryreturndecisionisissuedbytheOCMA (iftheillegal stayoftheforeignerisdetectedbyan officialoftheOCMA and/orofficialoftheState BorderGuard) andtheState BorderGuard(Ifillegal stayisdetectedbyan officialoftheState BorderGuard).Police and Border Guard BoardKreisausländerbehörde –County Immigration OfficeThe Federal Office forMigration andRefugeesdecideson theapplicationforasylum53Minors12.HOW DOES YOUR COUNTRY DEAL WITH UNACCOMPANIED MINORS?HOW DO YOU REALIZE THE RIGHT TO CERTAIN SUPPORTS, INCLUDING (ACCORDING TO UN COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD):54Special ProgramsforFamily Unification/ Resettlement/ Return & Search for Relatives vIn general a guardianis always appointed to an unaccompanied minor due to the respective Acts.vThe unaccompanied minor is usually accommodated in a specific centre/unit/child-care institution (juvenile homes)for unaccompanied minors with specially trained staff to take care of the minor according to his/her needs. Foster families are mentioned in the questionnaire by Germany, Latvia and Sweden.vIn every country unaccompanied foreign minors are legally obliged to attend school.vNot all but most of the countries initiate a search for the parents or other relatives of an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker. The search can be carried out in collaboration with an organization such as the Red Cross or the UNHCR. The countries which answered this question all have resettlement-and return-programs.55LeagalAge, Ostensible Minors & Regional ProgrammesvThe situation is different for minors of legal age, since he or she is considered an adult. He or she will henceforth be treated according to the rules applied to adult asylum seekers. However, e.g. in Swedenthe social services can under certain circumstances offer accommodation and care until the person turns 21 (particularly in situations where there are special needs). vOstensible minors: In Poland,if the person denies to agree to such an examination the asylum seeker will be treated as an adult person. In Norwaythe applicant will be considered a minor, if there is reasonable doubt about the asylum seekers age. vWith regard to the last sub item Denmark, Finland, Norway and Swedenanswered that unaccompanied minors are subject to the same rules as other Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish children, including the right to school and special offers as well as measures related to the respective laws. This is more or less the same in each country and region, which took part in the survey.56Costs13. PLEASESTATE–IFPOSSIBLE–THEAVERAGEMONTHLYCOSTS:57DetailedList ofCost(Proposal)A)Asylumseekers/ B)Refugees/ subsidaryresidencepermits1)Adultslivingalonea)in receptioncenterswithfoodb)in receptioncenterswithoutfoodc)Living outside receptioncenters2)Unaccompaniedminorsa)under16 yearsb)+ 16 years3)Childrenwithfamiliesa)in receptioncenterswithfoodb)in receptioncenterswithoutfoodc)Living outside receptioncenters4)Spouses/ partners/ roommatesa)in receptioncenterswithfoodb)in receptioncenterswithoutfoodc)Living outside receptioncenters1)Additional costsfortransportation2)Additional costsforclothing3)Additional costsforeducation(booksetc.) 4)Healthcare5)Rent6)One-time paymentsC) Socialbenefitsthataregrantedasa basicpayment58Costsper AsylumSeeker*Name FinlandDenmarkLithuaniaSwedenGermanyNorwayMecklenburg-VorpommernPolandper asylumseeker19.200,00 € 2.871,76 € 580,00 € 2.216,27 € 670,00 € 196,81 € 1.010,00 € 369,35 € per minor53.200,00 € 587,00 € 8.669,84 € 737-1020 2 338,55 €59Accomodation14. PLEASE INDICATE HOW YOUR COUNTRY / REGION ORGANISES ACCOMMODATION FOR MIGRANTS, ASYLUM SEEKERS (REFUGEES, MINORS.)60Housing / AccommodationvThe situation depends on the respective status –asylum seekers waiting for a decision, granted asylum or an alternative status, an unaccompanied minor or a detained foreigner –of the asylum seeker.vEvery country has to provide accommodation for the above mentioned groups and usually asylum seekers are first housed at respective reception facilities/reception centers.vAfter getting a status asylum seekers/refugees will receive help finding a rental apartment on the free rental market from private owners in Estoniaand Lithuania. Help is provided by the accommodation center/refugees reception centre or a support person. In Swedenfor former asylum seekers that have received a residence permit the municipalities have a responsibility to find housing if the person cannot find accommodation him-or herself. The former asylum seeker can also apply for help with housing costs from the municipalities.vGenerally the municipalities are responsible for respective different accommodation for unaccompanied minors.61Ankunftszentrum/ Arrival Centers•1 Center in Hamburg•firstregistration•Decisionweathertostayortravelfurther•untilapllicationforaslyumishandedovertoBAMF –MinistryforWork andMigrationErstaufnahmeeinrichtungen(EA), Reception Center•after theapplicationforasylumat BAMF•1 socialworkerisresponsable for65inhabitants•containerhomes•stayupto6 months•about4000 People live in 14 EA'sÖffentlich-rechtliche Folgeunterkünfte (örU), Accom.subjecttopubliclaw•a total of 31.800 People•51% Pavilonvillages•13% socialhousing•36% communityhousing(withsharedkitchensandsanitorydomains)•total of122 EA'sin HamburgPerspektive Wohnen, PerspectiveLiving•Socialhousingthatisfundedbythestateandwill transformedintopublichousigfornormal rentingImage-Sourceslefttoright: Ankunftscentrum Rahlstedt: welt.de; EA Niendorf: Hamburg.de; örUBaakenhafen: Abendblatt.de; Gefördertes Wohnen Vogelweide: www.hamburgteam.comHousing & Accommodation in Hamburg62Volunteers15.HOW IS THE INVOLVEMENT OF VOLUNTEERS ORGANIZED (NATIONAL / REGIONAL)? FINANCIAL SUPPORT?63Involvement of VolunteersvCivil society is playing a vital role in every country and region in the involvement of organizing volunteers.vVolunteers are encouraged by the state or by NGOs and voluntary work is supported through civil society, governments and other actors in the public sector.vVoluntary work is partly funded by the governments, but also e. g. by AMIF, the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. Effective the 25thof March 2015 Germany, Estonia, Finland and Lithuania were funded within AMIF; in the period between 2015 and 2017, 10 such projects were co-financed from AMIF funds in Poland.64Best Practice ExamplesvIn Germany“the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees promotes volunteering, for instance, through its support of integration projects (for instance venues for intercultural exchange), by training volunteers in integration work and funding migrant organizations (for instance leisure and sports clubs). One special funding program is directed at volunteering agencies testing models to involve refugees themselves in volunteer work. The expansion of the Federal Voluntary Service to include a special service for refugee-related projects also heads in this direction. In this context it is not just volunteer work for refugees but also by refugees that is being promoted.”v“With regard to asylum seekers in Denmark, the reception center operators are contractually obligated to motivate relevant and interested people and associations in the local community to do voluntary work at the reception centers. This obligation is financed through the appropriation for the operators within the framework of the Danish Finance Act.”v“In Swedeninvolvement of volunteers is organized both through civil society projects such as mentor programs and through the business sector as well as the municipalities.”65
