Experiment with statements of competence for asylum seekers

News item | 01-02-2012

A government pilot project launched today will make it possible for successful asylum seekers who cannot prove that they passed their school exams in their home country to be given an equivalent statement of educational competence. This should make it easier for them to find a job or pursue further studies and build up a new life here.

The experiment has been commissioned by Gerd Leers, Minister for Immigration, Integration and Asylum Policy and is being run jointly by Nuffic and the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB). Also involved are the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF) and the Dutch Refugee Council, as well as representatives of the business community and education world.

Most asylum seekers do not bring their school certificates with them when they flee their country. Consequently, when they arrive in the Netherlands they may encounter problems when applying for jobs or training.

This pilot will help Nuffic and the SBB develop a system for issuing statements of educational competence. Both organisations have many years of experience in assessing and comparing educational institutions abroad with equivalents in the Netherlands, and already advise asylum seekers admitted to the Netherlands who can produce their school certificates. The pilot will also demonstrate whether statements of competence actually help asylum seekers to find work or training more easily.

Mr Leers has earmarked €85,000 for the experiment, which will run until the end of this year.

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