Dutch language lessons

Dutch language lessons 2007-08-29

Dutch Integration Minister wants free language lessons for migrants

The new Dutch Minister for Integration, Ella Vogelaar, wants to make language lessons for immigrants free of charge. If implemented, it will be a dramatic departure from the current government policy of forcing immigrants to take and pay for language lessons. Many have needed to take out loans to learn Dutch. The "Naturalization Deltaplan" was leaked to the public last week before it has been presented in the Parliament. It proposes integration through schooling, work, and volunteer programs, which is hoped to make Dutch easier for migrants to learn. By learning social skills through such activities, the idea is that they can increase their chances of finding work.