The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees addresses the integration of refugees from various angles, including the right to non-discrimination (Article 3), employment (Article 17), housing (Article 21) and access to public education (Article 22).
Beneficiaries of international protection should be granted access to integration measures, such as language courses, civic orientation, integration programmes and vocational training. If a Member State makes participation in integration measures mandatory, these measures must be accessible and free of charge, although fees may be imposed when beneficiaries have sufficient means and the costs do not create an unreasonable burden (Article 35 Qualification Regulation (QR)).
Member States may decide to reduce material reception conditions for those applicants who fail to participate in compulsory integration measures, where provided or facilitated by that Member State. This applies unless the applicant has valid reasons beyond their control for not taking part (Article 23(2) RCD (2024)).
Access to certain forms of social assistance may be conditioned on effective participation in compulsory integration measures (Article 31(1) QR). However, no sanctions may be applied when a beneficiary cannot participate due to circumstances beyond their control (Article 35(4) QR).
Member States are encouraged to maintain access to language courses for beneficiaries who had access as applicants (recital 74 QR).
The importance of early integration measures is critical for supporting the integration of beneficiaries once international protection is granted. These measures, organised according to the applicable standards and indicators for applicants, should continue and expand for beneficiaries of international protection. The RCD (2024) recognises the importance of early integration measures for applicants, which must include at least access to language courses, civic education courses and vocational training courses.
The EUAA Operational Standards and Indicators on Reception including Vulnerability-related Aspects, 2026, highlight their significance in preparing applicants for potential integration into the host society (see Section 5.8 Employment, Standards 126-128, p. 165-167 and Section 5.9. Preparing the end of reception: measures oriented towards the applicant’s integration or towards voluntary return, Standards 129-130, p. 169-170).
Reception staff should inform applicants about these activities, including the compulsory ones, regularly and actively encourage their participation through both group and individual information sessions ensuring equal access for all. Particular attention should be given to ensuring equal and effective access for all applicants, including those with special reception needs, through adapted and targeted support measures. Moreover, applicants’ participation and integration prospects are enhanced by providing them with the opportunity to engage in voluntary activities outside the reception centre.
Information provision messages
Inform beneficiaries of international protection about the following.
- What integration means and why it is important to attend integration programmes.
- What integration programmes entail, including relevant activities such as (depending on the national context):
- language courses (which will continue if initiated while the beneficiary was an applicant for international protection) and cultural orientation programmes
- employment support (e.g. job seeking, vocational training, skills development)
- educational support (e.g. enrolling in kindergarten, schools, universities and adult education programmes)
- social integration activities (e.g. sports, arts, social clubs, festivals and ecological activities), including local community events, activities and volunteering.
- Participation in the available integration programmes:
- Compulsory vs optional programmes, including their duration.
- Compulsory integration programmes are accessible and free of charge.
- Compliance requirements, such as attendance (e.g. face-to-face, remote), examinations.
- Consequences of non-compliance (e.g. reduction of financial aid or limitation of social assistance benefits). There will be no consequences for those who could not attend compulsory integration programmes for reasons beyond their control.
- Eligibility criteria, highlighting any restrictions, exceptions for participation (e.g. age or certain types of disabilities) and additional support provided to beneficiaries of protection in vulnerable situations or to those with special needs.
- Where they need to enrol for the integration programmes, including the contact details.
- Application procedures, including a description of the process and necessary documents (e.g. proof of address, residence permit, proof of income).
- Rights and responsibilities of beneficiaries who participate in integration programmes (e.g. receiving financial aid and attending classes).
- Diplomas earned through these programmes, which can be used for employment or further education.
- The main challenges beneficiaries face in accessing and participating in integration programmes and how to overcome them (e.g. access supports services).
- Any feedback or complaint and response mechanisms available to beneficiaries regarding the integration programmes and how to access them.
- The available support services that assist with enrolment in integration programmes and any issues they might have throughout participation, including their contact details. These services include counselling and guidance, legal aid, financial assistance (e.g. transportation, rent subsidies) and social assistance (e.g. childcare support).
Practical tips
- Use multiple communication channels written (e.g. leaflets, brochures) or audiovisual (e.g. pictograms, posters, videos) to explain access to integration programmes and special facilities and support for beneficiaries in vulnerable situations or those with special needs, ensuring the information is accessible to all, regardless of impairments or literacy levels.
- Organise group information sessions, in collaboration with service providers, government agencies and educational institutions, to give beneficiaries, including children, clear information about integration programmes. These sessions should offer an overview of available activities and provide an opportunity to address common questions and concerns.
- Emphasise the importance of attending the integration programmes by sharing examples and testimonies of beneficiaries who have participated in such programmes. These beneficiaries could be invited to talk about the benefits of participation in integration programmes.
- Clarify that men and women are equally entitled and expected to participate in integration programmes.