Dutch Integration Fines

Dutch Integration Fines

Integration in the Netherlands involves fulfilling certain requirements within a set period. The Dutch government enforces this through the 2021 Civic Integration Act and the 2013 Civic Integration Act. Failure to meet these requirements on time can result in Dutch integration fines and extended integration periods.

Fines Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act

Notification Before the Deadline

DUO sends a letter with details about your integration status two months before your integration period ends. And, this letter serves as a reminder of your upcoming deadline. It includes all the information DUO has collected about your integration journey.

Notification After the Deadline

If you do not complete your integration in time, DUO sends another letter called ‘Vooraankondiging termijnoverschrijding.’ This letter indicates that DUO may fine you and specifies the potential fine amount. However, this is not the final decision. The fine amount might change based on any new information you provide.

Final Decision and Payment

DUO determines the final fine amount based on several factors, including:

  • The number of hours you spent in an approved course.
  • The number of exams you attempted and passed.

Once DUO decides to fine you, they send a letter stating the fine amount and how to pay it.

Types of Fines Under the 2021 Act

Fine for Not Completing Your Learning Track

This fine will not exceed €1000. DUO considers the following when calculating the fine:

  • Your status (asylum seeker, family migrant, or other migrant).
  • The learning track you followed.
  • The number of course hours completed. Only hours from schools listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl count.
  • The number of exams you attempted and passed.

Fine for Not Completing the Job Market and Participation Module (MAP)

If you fail to complete the MAP on time, you will be fined €340.

Fine for Not Completing the Participation Statement (PVT)

Failure to complete the PVT on time results in a €340 fine.

Additional Time After the Fine

Even after paying a fine, you must complete your integration. The amount of additional time you receive depends on your situation.

For B1-Track or O-Track

  • No exams passed: 2 extra years.
  • One exam passed: 1.5 extra years.
  • Two exams passed: 1 extra year.
  • Three or four exams passed: 6 extra months.

For Asylum Seekers on the Z-Track

  • 400 hours or less completed: 2 extra years.
  • 400 to 800 hours completed: 1.5 extra years.
  • 800 to 1200 hours completed: 1 extra year.
  • 1200 to 1600 hours completed: 6 extra months.

For Family or Other Migrants on the Z-Track

  • 200 hours or less completed: 2 extra years.
  • 200 to 400 hours completed: 1.5 extra years.
  • 400 to 600 hours completed: 1 extra year.
  • 600 to 800 hours completed: 6 extra months.

Providing Missing Information to DUO

If DUO lacks information about your school attendance, you must complete the ‘Verklaring deelname inburgeringscursus’ form. So, you should submit the form to your school and then send it to DUO to verify your course hours.

Fines Under the 2013 Civic Integration Act

Initial Notification

DUO sends a letter called ‘Vooraankondiging termijnoverschrijding’ if you fail to integrate on time. This letter informs you that you may be fined.

Final Notification and Payment

If you do not respond, DUO will send another letter stating the fine amount and payment details.

Types of Fines Under the 2013 Act

Fine for Not Obtaining Your Integration Diploma

This fine will not exceed €1250. DUO considers the following when calculating the fine:

  • The number of course hours you completed. Only hours from schools listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl count.
  • The number of exams you attempted and passed.

Fine for Not Completing the Participation Statement (PVT)

Failure to complete the PVT on time results in a €340 fine. In addition, you will lose the ability to borrow more money from DUO.

Additional Time After the Fine

Even after paying a fine, you must still complete your integration. You receive an additional 2 years to obtain your integration diploma.

Key Differences Between the 2021 and 2013 Acts

Fine Amounts

Under the 2021 Act, fines are capped at €1000 for not completing your learning track. On the other hand, the 2013 Act caps fines at €1250 for not obtaining your integration diploma.

Additional Time

The 2021 Act provides additional integration time based on the number of exams passed or course hours completed. On the other hand, the 2013 Act uniformly grants 2 extra years regardless of these factors.

Importance of Timely Integration

Timely integration is crucial for living and working in the Netherlands. Dutch integration fines serve as a reminder of the importance of meeting integration requirements within the designated period. By understanding these requirements and the consequences of non-compliance, you can take proactive steps to complete your integration on time.

Conclusion

Integration in the Netherlands involves strict deadlines and significant responsibilities. Both the 2021 Civic Integration Act and the 2013 Civic Integration Act outline clear penalties for failing to integrate on time. By staying informed and proactive, you can avoid Dutch integration fines and ensure a smooth integration process.

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