The comprehensive intake interview

The comprehensive intake interview is mandatory and always comprises three components.

1)      A learning aptitude test to ascertain the speed at which you can be expected to learn the Dutch language and which language level you can be expected to reach within the three-year civic integration period.

2)      An enquiry about the education followed and work experience gained in the country of origin

3)      An enquiry about personal circumstances including physical and mental health.

The comprehensive intake interview is used to gather information about the language level, (work) participation potential and degree of self-reliance of a person who is required to integrate. It is up to the municipalities to decide how to go about gathering this information. The information gathered forms the basis for the personal Civic Integration and Participation Plan (PIP)

Enforcement

• If a person who has to integrate does not respond to the first invitation to attend a comprehensive intake interview within the required timeframe, the municipality will issue a written warning and a second invitation.
• If a person who has to integrate does not respond to the second invitation within the required timeframe, the municipality will impose a 250 euro fine and issue a third invitation.
• If someone who has to integrate does not respond within the required timeframe to the third invitation, the municipality will impose a second 250 euro fine and will draw up a personal Civic Integration and Participation Plan (PIP) without the input of the person who has to integrate.

Municipalities are required to inform people who have to integrate with (young) children about their options for pre-school and early years' education (vve) and to advise people who have to integrate about their right to individual interviews without a partner or other person present.

Source: Divosa, 2020. Overview of the changes in the new Civic Integration Act.