Municipality/Region

Catalonia, Spain

Summary

The first reception service of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) is a set of activities and resources that respond to the initial training and information needs of newcomers. It includes accompaniment, training and certification of knowledge to facilitate living and working in Catalonia.

The training consists of three modules: Catalan and Spanish language training (90 hours for each language), knowledge about the Catalan labour market (at least 15 hours) and knowledge of Catalan society (at least 15 hours).

Areas of integration covered by practice

• Integration of migrants in the labour market
• Integration of migrants in political and civic local life

Background and purpose

After people arrive in a new country, they will need basic knowledge about society, the language and the labour market to improve their chances of social inclusion. With the increase in migration during the first decade of 2000, the Government of Catalonia found it necessary to facilitate the acquisition of these kinds of knowledge to newcomers.

Timeframe

The first reception service started in 2015 and is ongoing.

How does it work?

The first reception service is offered in all municipalities of Catalonia. Newcomers can contact the municipal first reception service through their Local Register of Inhabitants Office or the local municipal information services.

The service starts with an interview and counselling for the newcomer, including a welcome session and the initial, three-module training: a 90-hour course on the two official languages in Catalonia, Catalan and Spanish; a 15-hour course on labour market understanding; and a 15-hour course on Catalan society and its legal framework.

The service also assists newcomers with recognition of academic qualifications and previous professional experiences. The first reception service staff help newcomers determine how they can get their skills and knowledge recognised in each case.

By completing all three training modules, participants will receive a first reception certificate (certificat de primera acollida), which has legal and practical value for immigration requirements (to prove social ties, help with modification and/or renewal of residence authorisations) or nationality acquisition, among others.

Results and evaluation

During the first two years of the programme, 1,754 people used this service. 136 people were issued a first reception certificate, which helped them in the renewal of residence and working permits.

Funding

The first reception service is financed by the Catalan Government and the European Social Fund of the European Union. The annual budget is approximately €9,330,000.

Further information

Website of the practice