Integration bill is “too one-sided”

Today is the consultation deadline for the integration bill.

Many immigrants have had their say on the draft bill, and these views were presented at a citizens’ meeting in Tórshavn yesterday.

One of the organisers, Bjørk Berg Wiggins, visited KvF yesterday to summarise the comments and concerns raised by the Faroese immigrant community.

Faroese language requirement

Many have voiced their concerns about the mandatory Faroese language requirement for permanent residence permits.

“The way the requirement is presented in the draft bill, it appears rather unfair,” says Wiggins.

“The language courses require a great deal of commitment of immigrants, and this commitment can easily have a negative effect on the person’s income as it can be difficult to balance course attendance and work commitments.”

Danish language

Another common concern among immigrants is the Danish language, which all ethnic Faroese people speak fluently.

“Many immigrants feel it is taken for granted that when they start learning the Faroese language, they will easily be able to understand Danish too, which is clearly not the case. This problem is not sufficiently dealt with in the draft bill,” says Wiggins.

Tailored integration plan

The bill includes provisions on an integration plan which each individual is required to follow.

This section clearly requires further clarification, she says.

“What exactly is successful integration? The draft bill also lacks a much-needed distinction between newcomers and immigrants who have lived in the Faroes for years. The specific requirements and the associated consequences must be made much clearer.”

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According to the draft bill, immigrants will not be granted permanent residence if they fail the Faroese language exams.

“This requirement puts massive pressure on immigrants and their families. It creates a great sense of uncertainty, making it difficult to make long-term plans such as buying a house.”

Wiggins adds that if this requirement is to be included in the law, similar requirements should also be placed on the state, municipalities and employers.

“In its current form, the bill places far too much responsibility on the individual immigrant and far too little on the Faroese institutions. This approach to integration is simply too one-sided.”

These views will now be passed on to the authorities. We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

An interview (in Faroese) with Bjørk Berg Wiggins is available here.

Translated by prosa.fo.

More Faroese News in English.