Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants Round Table on Language proficiency requirements, language training and assessment For Information: During the Round Table, the following presentation on Catalonia was preceded by an overview on the situation in Spain

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT CATALONIA More than inhabitants in 2008 Located in the north-east of Spain immigrants in immigrants in 2007 Increase of 520% in 7 years

About the Catalan Catalonia has its our own official language Catalan is used by 11 million Europeans although is not an official language Situated in the 13th. position of EU languages In the 10th. Position in the editorial world Studied at 108 universities in the world

Language and Integration We are stating this figures not only to demonstrate the importance of Catalan in Europe but also because in the model of integration for immigrants, knowledge of catalan is the most important factor

4 pillars of the integration model Equal conditions access to services for all the population Immigration policies involve several government departments Two-way integration process Respect for different identities and for democratic values: –Human rights –Equality between men and women –Knowledge of common language: Catalan

Does your country have linguistic requirements ? No, there are no linguistic requirements to obtain authorization for residency.

How were these political decisions grounded ? For what reason? We have prioritised the immigrants admission to facilitate economic growth with the understanding that the process of integration would take place after entrance

Are integration courses offered to adult immigrants? Are obligatory or voluntary? Until now, non-regularized orientation training are given by some municipalities Free catalan classes are offered by the Government of Catalonia via The Consortium of linguistic Policies In 2007, students enrolled in the catalan courses

Are there tests? What kind and what are the objectives? The tests are meant to evaluate knowledge so that future students can be assigned to the most suitable Catalan course levels.

How are the courses certified? How are the language courses validated? The Consortium of Linguistic Policies issues a certificate at each course level, requiring a minimum 80% attendance in the classes.

Does your country plan new political initiatives? The Catalan Parliament will soon debate the Law of immigrant reception and emigrant return to homeland. This Law is inspired by the remark contained in the Handbook on Integration edited by the European Commission: immigration programs usually have three components: language training, civic orientation and vocational training

Training contents of the Law of Immigrant Reception 1.Basic Catalan training(90 hours) 2. Training about Catalan society (20 hours) 3. Training in labour and foreign-resident rights (10 hours)

1.Language training At the reception process newcomers will be informed about training programs available The goal is not to learn Catalan grammar but to achieve higher levels of self-sufficiency. training time required to qualify for the certificate is 135 hours (Introductory and Basic levels B1, B2,B3 ). Reception Service offers courses in the Spanish language to those who have obtained their certificate in the Basic Catalan language and to those who apply for it.

2. Courses on environment and society: Culture,habits,traditions, religion, norms etc Public services access: healthcare, housing employment, education, social services Some aspects of Spanish Constitution and the Catalan Autonomy Will last a minimum of 20 hours

3.- Training in labour and foreigner rights : Legal and administrative situations Labour rights and obligations This training will last a minimum of 15 hours

Certificate of reception in Catalonia Will be issue to those who can prove having taken part and taken advantage of the whole of the reception training services Acces to the reception system will be voluntary and free

Round table on language proficiency requirements. Council of Europe 26,27 June 2008