A conditional introductory payment to newly-arrived refugees is one of the election committments to be presented by the Social Democrats next week, integration minister Jens Orback has revealed. Newly-arrived refugees will have to sign a personal contract in which their rights and responsibilities are established. "I want to make clear the responsibilities for those who come here," said Jens Orback to Göteborgs-Posten.
| “The Left Party was quick to criticise Jens Orback's idea.” |
The contract will be linked to the financial support the refugee receives. "If you don't go to Swedish For Immigrants (SFI) or take a work experience place, you won't get your introductory payment," said Orback.
Another condition will be that refugees must become informed about Swedish society. The amount paid out in return for fulfilling the conditions will be "somewhat over the social benefit" level, according to Orback. It is already possible for local councils to offer introductory financial support in return for certain committments. But the integration minister's decision to link that to a contract - and to have a single nationwide system - marks a toughening in the Social Democrats' approach. The Left Party was quick to criticise Jens Orback's idea. |