My Thai partner is in the Netherlands for a few weeks and now has her 5-year residence permit. A few days ago we received a letter from DUO regarding taking the Central Civic Integration Exam and signing the Participation Declaration.
We do the studies ourselves because she tries to work as much as possible and is therefore not flexible enough to go to school. I am quite capable of helping her.
The central integration exam therefore consists of reading, speaking, listening and writing, as well as KNM and ONA. For KNM I found 15 YouTube learning video examples on Lingua Incognita. If anyone has more or better suggestions please let me know.
The Participation Statement is the big problem. According to the DUO letter, we should receive a letter from the municipality stating exactly what the intention is. Because we have not yet received a letter from the municipality of Neerijnen, I called them. There is civil affairs in Neijnen and people had never heard of this. But they sent me to Social Affairs in Tiel. There I got a gentleman, then another gentleman, then a madam, and then another madam. All very helpful but nobody knew anything about Participating and a letter from the municipality. The final advice was that I should call the DUO. Yes, and I only slept on it for a night first.
From Thailandblog I understand that there are many hundreds of Thai ladies living in our frog country and therefore also a number near Neerijnen and Tiel. Hence my cry for help and advice from my fellow Thailand bloggers.
Thanks in advance,
Hansest
Dear Hansest,
The participation statement has existed since 2017, and the municipality is responsible for this. So it is at least special that nobody knows about anything. Perhaps a municipal official with knowledge of the matter was just not present. Can't imagine that a municipality has been sleeping for more than a year or hasn't had any people integrating...
Otherwise, send them an e-mail, then you will not overwhelm them and the municipality can think about which colleague should work on this. Enclose a scan of your DUO/inburgering letter or add this link: www.inburgeren.nl/participation-statement.jsp
“The participation statement is not an exam at DUO. The municipality tells you what to learn and how to do it. The municipality will send you a letter about this.”
Personally I consider putting such a scribble completely nonsensical symbolism, but it has to be done because otherwise you will be fined.
As for learning for integration at A2 level: self-study is an option, but guidance is strongly recommended. You may be able to guide your partner. For example, check the library to see if there is suitable material for your partner. There are various methods so options are plenty. Or take a look at the free and affordable lesson & study materials from Ad Appel: adappel.nl/lesmaterialen
Furthermore, of course, general tips: speak Dutch at home, even better if Dutch is also spoken at work or with friends. Daily language immersion, repeat, repeat and repeat. Then you pick up everything from the language consciously and unconsciously.
There used to be Lingo, you can look back online, good for vocabulary. Encourage your partner, mistakes and going on your face are part of it. Let her do everyday things like checkout or order something. She may be a bit nervous at first, but if you are in the background to help, it will certainly boost her confidence.
And other readers may have additional tips below.
Success!
Rob V
For the participation statement you have to go to the Netherlands Refugee Work. My wife has been in the Netherlands for a year on January 4, 2019. I was told that the participation verkl. runs through the municipality of Hilversum, but they know nothing about it and told me that I should wait quietly for a message. Well, I received a three-letter from DUO that if I had not signed the participation statement before January 25, 2019, they would withdraw the loan for the integration course and fine me 360 euros. Then went to call and found out that it is arranged by the Dutch refugee network, it consists of a one-day course costing 150, - and if not enough people are registered for it, it will not take place. so duck conclusion for me is that it's a weird messy intention and I don't feel responsible for this either.
fri gr. Edgar vd Weijde Hilversum
If I may read this again, I suddenly get a splitting headache.
I am glad that I live here in Thailand with my Thai spouse.
The only DUO I know is the DUO is on the back of the motorbike.
Jan Beute.
arranged the participation statement with the municipality of Valkenswaard last month.
Because there were not enough registrations, we got an appointment with a municipal official.
In 1,5 hours, he told all about Dutch customs and duties, supported by some photo cards and questions/answer lists.
Then it was ready and she could sign it.
Costs €.150,00
In itself very simple and quickly arranged.
2 weeks later we received a letter from DUO informing us that the participation statement had been approved.
fri. gr. Paul
don't quite understand what the problem is. The participation statement can be downloaded from Rijksoverheid.nl. Sign the statement and send it to DUO? This is the link:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/formulieren/2016/08/23/participatieverklaring-2016
Dear Fritz,
I have indeed downloaded the participation statement. She can sign it. I can tell her myself what that all means in the Netherlands. But to whom should I pay the 150, =. And how do I come across as credible to DUO, if an “official” has not been in the picture.
Hansest
does not have to pay 150 euros
Some municipalities do not charge any costs for the participation statement, the standard rate is 150 euros. And the rules for ONA have also recently changed.
Dear Rob,
many people work at the municipalities who do not know much or perhaps do not want to know. Every time you come back for the same thing, their job is safe.
I myself had to go back 5 times just to get a postal address, never heard of it doesn't exist.
On the fifth time someone said o letter address yes that form is here.
Yes okay I should have asked both the first time, but you can also think along, right??
Municipality of Maastricht same story.
She will “hear” a “story” about the Netherlands in 2019.
You don't have to, you better go for a walk along the Maas.
The most important thing is that the municipality will receive € 150 for this.
All she has to do is put a scribble in the box.
You wonder what idiot comes up with this.
She has to work many hours for it, since the wages in the hospitality industry are less than € 10 gross.
And because of this "nonsense" she can't work for 1 day.
She knows right away how backward this country is.
Doesn't depend on the municipality! But to "national" politics that do "window-dressing", and that over the back & wallet of the newcomer.
Register with the volunteer organization in your city or the library.
You can receive a qualified guide (buddy) = 1 on 1 at your home.
And it costs you nothing!
LANGUAGE for LIFE.
Go to the municipality.
Say you want/need to sign the statement.
It's an A4.
Signing is required.
It costs 150 euros.
Do not leave the municipal office without a written statement, for example if they say they know nothing about it.
Participation in a course is never compulsory, unless you receive benefits.