4,800 Brussels newcomers have already been checked since the introduction of compulsory integration | Brussels
BrusselsSince the introduction of compulsory integration in the Brussels-Capital Region in June, more than 19 municipalities have already been checked by 4,800 newcomers to see whether they need to follow an integration process. This is evident from the answers of GGC College member Alain Maron to the questions of MPs Bianca Debaets (CD&V) and Gilles Verstraeten (N-VA).
From this group of newcomers, 567 people were given a compulsory civic integration programme. “It is rather difficult to estimate whether that is now much of little, after that we can hardly compare it to Flanders in Wallonia,” collected Brussels MP Bianca Debaets (cd&v). “Those mandatory routes have been around for much longer, while we are only just sure in Brussels.”
The 567 people who have been given a compulsory integration program now have six months to register. On October 21, 150 people had already taken this step, with 20 percent opting for a trajectory in Dutch and 80 percent for a trajectory in French. So far, most of the integration programs are already based on newcomers in Anderlecht (131), Schaarbeek (76) and Sint-Joost-ten-Noode (60). No obligations have yet been imposed in Koekelberg and Sint-Agatha-Berchem.
This raises questions for Member of Parliament Gilles Verstraeten (N-VA). “From the start, we had obstacles against the major role for the municipalities. The entire system, also in terms of safety, stands or falls with their participation. No less than 75 percent of the newcomers who fall under the falling criteria still have to register for a trajectory, the first sanctions for those who cannot be included from December. Although these are only the first figures, and we do not want to jump to conclusions. That also radiates Debaets. “I especially hope that the control and sanction mechanisms will immediately work correctly. Otherwise, compulsory civic integration is certainly a measure of nothing,” she concludes.
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