Guiding principles for integration in Vorarlberg

Policy Response DateApril 28, 2010 Country: Austria Address: Bregenz General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia, Inter-ethnic
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Education, Culture

Guiding principles for integration for the province of Vorarlberg had been commissioned in autumn 2008, followed by a broad discussion. A consensus could be reached as recent as April 2010, when the political parties in the provincial parliament agreed upon a draft text.
Despite the cross-sectional relevance of integration, educational and cultural issues are focused on while other areas are scarcely dealt with. Increased attention is also paid to the obligations of migrants, even though integration is perceived as a two-sided process. The need to learn the host country’s language is a central theme throughout the text – with a reference to possible sanctions for non-compliant behaviour. In terms of host society’s duties, the paper remains rather vague, although it puts forward a set of measures to enhance equal opportunities. Overall, the paper depicts a non-judgemental environment, leaving aside the issue of racist prejudices and hostilities, although successful integration also depends on confronting and opposing racist stereotypes.

Source: http://www.vorarlberg.at/pdf/gemeinsamzukunftgestalten.pdf (2011-09-29)