Citizen in Denmark - Ny i Danmark

Introductory programme and the integration contractIf you are a refugee or have joined your family and are acitizen of a country outside the EU and Nordic region, youwill be offered an introductory programme by your municipalauthority, and together you will agree on the introductoryprogramme content. This must take the form of an integrationcontract. The introductory programme includes Danishlanguage tuition - and if required - a number of otherthings that can help you find work or begin a programmeof education that can provide you with the qualificationsto enable you to find work.However, not all members of a reunified family are offered anintroductory programme and sign an integration contract.If the person you have joined has a residence permit inDenmark in connection with a specific job or, for example,as a researcher, student, an embassy employee or missionary,you will not be offered an introductory programme and anintegration contract. But you can take part in Danish languagetuition and other ordinary social courses.It is up to the Immigration Service to decide whether youare covered by the Danish Alien Act and thus eligible for anintroductory programme and an integration contract.The integration contract - a binding agreementThe integration contract is a binding agreement betweenyou and your municipal authority. For this reason you mustdraw it up together. The contract must contain a plan foryour first three years in Denmark. This is why it is so importantfor you as a new citizen.Your contract must specify your introductory programmecontent. For example, this might be the level of your Danisheducation programme, which activities you need to commenceyour studies or begin working. The aim of the contractis to make you an active part of Danish society as quickly aspossible and ensure that you can provide for yourself.Before the first monthThe contract must be drawn up before the end of thefirst month from when your municipal authority assumesresponsibility for your introductory programme.Make demands of your contractYour integration contract is a common tool for you and yourmunicipal authority. This is why it is important that you makedemands of your contract. Your contract should contain alist of activities to help you get started, whether you wishto begin an education, start a business or be employed bya company.If you have a jobIf you have a job, the contract must ensure that you canreceive Danish language tuition while continuing to holddown your job. Tuition can take place in the afternoon orevening, for example, when you are not at work.The contract can be changedYour municipal authority must continually monitor thecontract. As you gain new qualifications and experience ornew aims for the future, you can suggest making changesto the activities agreed in the contract.RepatriationThe contract can also make allowances for the fact thatyou may wish to return to your native country, if and whenconditions allow. For example, the contract can stipulate thatyou acquire skills and qualifications that will prove useful ifand when you return to home. Read more in Chapter 13,Repatriation.NEW CITIZEN IN DENMARK37