Via Xinhua:
The Dutch government will abandon the model of a multicultural society.
In a letter to parliament on Thursday Minister Piet Hein Donner of Internal Affairs states that the Netherlands will start a new integration policy.
"The government shares the social discontent that exists on the multicultural society," read the letter published Friday. "In the new integration, the values of the Dutch society play a central role. With this change, the government steps away from the model of a multicultural society."
The new government wants more demands on immigrants. They should be responsible themselves for ensuring that they learn the Dutch language.
"A more obligatory integration is justified because the government also demands that from its own citizens," the letter continued.
"It is necessary because otherwise the society gradually grows apart and eventually no one feels at home anymore in the Netherlands. The integration will not be tailored to different groups."
(source)
Via RNW:
Many Turkish and Moroccan organisations have criticised the proposals. The Moroccan-Dutch organisation Samenwerkingsverband van Marokkaanse Nederlanders, which advises the government on integration matters, points out that vulnerable groups need extra support to find a job.
The umbrella Muslim group Contactorgaan Moslims en Overheid, on the other hand, says it is good that the cabinet bases its policy on the ability of migrants to be independent. However, it rejects a ban on burkas.(source)
