One of the obstacles that newcomers face in Denmark is understanding the legislations, rules and systems. This is mainly because information regarding rights and duties – including letters from authorities – are only available in Danish. Though the state offers free Danish language training, it can take years to be fluent enough to understand complex information about job training sessions, benefits, school, contracts, bills, health care etc.

The new FAIR Integration app facilitate access to information by providing multilingual information in Arabic, Persian and Somali regarding the responsibilities and rights of migrants and refugees in Denmark. It was developed by two young Danes, Tanja and Nicolai, who were motivated to act after witnessing the challenges that their refugee neighbours were facing.

Users can download the app for free in a beta version in four languages or choose the volunteer button to receive the text in Danish. Currently, the app developers are seeking additional funding to expand it with more languages and provide an option where users can scan a letter from the authorities and receive a translated version of it.

If you would like to receive further information about the app or are interested in adapting it to your country, contact tanja@fairintegration.dk.

The deadline for the call for applications for the Integration Priority Track 2020 has been extended and interested individuals can apply up until 15 June 2020.

The Integration Priority Track (IPT) Programme was developed last year by UNHCR Malta to provide individual support for refugees focused on long-term integration prospects. This is being implemented in partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta (JRS). The Programme aims to provide more tailor-made support for refugees and migrants, including access to tertiary education, skills and employability and entrepreneurship. Support is provided through an individualised action plan for long-term integration in Malta.

The IPT Programme offers three packages aimed at enabling individuals to continue and complete secondary education or sixth form, access Higher Educational institutions or increase employability. Individuals selected may benefit from all or some of the packages’ components according to the individual’s need:

1. Stepping-Stone Programme for Higher Education

This package is targeted at individuals who have expressed a desire to access higher education. The package will enable them to meet entry requirements for a higher education course of their choice. Assistance in the form of course-related equipment or course fees may be provided to support an individual to access and participate in a course. The package includes English language classes, IELTS preparation classes and exam to enter university, ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) course and exam, private tuition to prepare the applicant for the course to be taken, payment for a course, assistance with purchase of equipment such as a laptop, stationary and books relevant to the course.

1. Stepping-Stone Programme for Access to Employment and Self-Employment

This package caters for individuals who wish to access a particular job market but lack the necessary skills, such as sufficient language skills. The package includes intermediate or advanced English language classes, the ECDL course and exam, payment for a course and financial assistance, up to €1,000 for the purchase of equipment required by the course or to start a particular business.

1. Stepping-Stone Programme for Secondary School Education or Sixth Form/O and A-Levels

This package is aimed at individuals in Malta who wish to complete their education. The package provides the necessary tuition and support to allow them to enter and succeed at school at an appropriate level for their age, despite having missed years of education and having been taught in a language other than English. The package offers an English language course according to the applicant’s current language level, private tuition in relevant subjects and educational material such as school books and stationary.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are individuals in Malta who are holders of international protection (Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection), Temporary Humanitarian Protection, Specific Residence Authorization, Asylum Seekers and Rejected Asylum Seekers with a CIO document and interim permission to stay are eligible to apply. Applicants should complete the application form (attached), which must be supported by a referral from an NGO or social welfare agency. Given the current situation where access to classroom settings is limited, the selection committee will also be considering issues of access to technology for applicants.

Completed application forms are to be sent to alexia@jrsmalta.org by 15 June 2020. 

A new website dedicated to the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in Lithuania has been launched by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.

The website will feature AMIF's national operational programme for Lithuania, calls for proposals, as well as information about ongoing and completed national projects sponsored by the fund. 

Find more useful information and links related to AMIF and other EU funds dedicated to migrant integration in Lithuania here. 

The High Commission for Migration is now accepting funding applications for initiatives promoting the integration of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection with priority given to non-accompanied minors. This funding opportunity is made available through the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The total amount available is € 615,000.

The successful projects will focus on:
a) Hosting and information offices that specialise in legal, social, psychological and health support;
b) Informative materials and actions on rights and duties;
c) Literacy actions that aim to provide third-country nationals (TCN) with reading and writing skills in Portuguese, and that contribute to their autonomy as migrants in the host society;
d) Actions that aim to integrate the beneficiaries in the Portuguese educational or professional training systems;
e) Actions that promote beneficiaries employability;
f) Spaces for promoting coexistence at the local level;
g) Raising public awareness at the national level for the integration of TCN.

Requirements
Approved projects may benefit from a maximum co-financing rate of 75%. The duration of the projects should not exceed 36 months.

The deadline to submit applications is 1 July 2020. For all information about requirements and applications, please visit the website of the calls for proposals.

Continuing his inter-faith dialogue with the diverse range of religious entities, the Portuguese President participated in a celebration in Lisbon’s Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. During the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the Portuguese Prime Minister praised the commitment of the Islamic community in respecting the rules of social distancing and helping control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Portugal has entered its 3^rd stage of deconfinement, religious temples, kindergartens, sports facilities and shopping malls have reopened. In his visit, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was able to see the measures taken by Lisbon’s Islamic community – where the vast majority of Muslims reside – to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The measures require worshippers to bring their own carpet, wear a mask, disinfect their hands at the entrance and respect social distancing rules.