Significant initiatives linked language knowledge to qualify for social welfare benefits in the Netherlands and Norway. The Dutch government proposed to link the level of social benefits to a sufficient level (A2) of language knowledge, otherwise allowances could be reduced by 20%.1171 The Norwegian parliament passed a bill amending the Social Services Act, which requires third-country nationals older than 30 years with insufficient Norwegian knowledge to participate in language training as a condition to receive financial support.1172 The objective of the amendment is to increase their chances of employment.
The Spanish Accem saw delays in transitioning from the reception and integration system to general social services, leaving many beneficiaries without in cash support for some time.1173 UNHCR noted that a minimum income guarantee was adopted in the country, accessible to refugees under the same conditions as for citizens.
Beneficiaries of international protection in Ireland were entitled to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as any Irish citizen, if they were employed but lost their job due to the pandemic.1174
[1171] European Web Site on Integration. (2020, April 22). Lack of Dutch language may put welfare benefits at risk. https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/lack-of-dutch-language-may-put-welfare-benefits-at-risk
[1172] European Asylum Support Office. (June 2020). EASO Asylum Report 2020: The Situation of Asylum in the European Union. https://easo.europa.eu/asylum-report-2020
[1173] Accem. (2021). Input to the EASO Asylum Report 2021. https://easo.europa.eu/sites/default/files/Accem_0.pdf
[1174] AIDA Ireland. (2021). Country Report: Ireland - 2020 Update. Edited by ECRE. Written by Irish Refugee Council. https://asylumineurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AIDA-IE_2020update.pdf
[1171] European Web Site on Integration. (2020, April 22). Lack of Dutch language may put welfare benefits at risk. https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/lack-of-dutch-language-may-put-welfare-benefits-at-risk
[1172] European Asylum Support Office. (June 2020). EASO Asylum Report 2020: The Situation of Asylum in the European Union. https://easo.europa.eu/asylum-report-2020
[1173] Accem. (2021). Input to the EASO Asylum Report 2021. https://easo.europa.eu/sites/default/files/Accem_0.pdf
[1174] AIDA Ireland. (2021). Country Report: Ireland - 2020 Update. Edited by ECRE. Written by Irish Refugee Council. https://asylumineurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AIDA-IE_2020update.pdf
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