Minister may put cut welfare for integration deficit newcomers

THE HAGUE – The drive of Dutch politicians to ensure an orderly integration of immigrants has taken many twists and turns, but so far all attempts have failed to generate the objective. This is primarily because newcomers either could not be legally compelled to take integration courses or were reluctant to pay for them. As well, leftwing local municipal councils philosophically disagreed with the law enacted by populist and rightwing former cabinet minister Rita Verdonk. New cabinet minister Eberhard van der Laan is exploring another approach. Saying that the individuals concerned have the most to loose by failing to integrate, the onus ought to be on them. If they do not follow the prescribed steps, they may, for instance, not qualify for full benefits of the various government provisions such as welfare.