• lffll !l t!!!2�mm�ionerfor Refugees
Haut Commissariat des Nations Unies pour !es refugies
UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries
Sveavagen 166, 151h fl. Tel.: +4610 1012 800
SE-11346 Stockholm Email :
[email protected]�
02 August 2023
Notre/Our code 067/RNB/2023
RE: Introduction of reimbursement for language learning for refugees
Madam,
I am writing to you about the Ministry of Culture's proposal for a draft Regulation on
"Conditions ofparticipation of the beneficiary ofinternational protection in Estonian language
training, including the procedure for recovering the cost ofEstonian language training" (draft
Regulation). The draft Regulation, inter alia, requires refugees and other beneficiaries of
international protection, including temporary protection holders, to reimburse costs for
mandatory Estonian language courses in case they discontinue their language classes "without
a good reason. "
Local integration is a complex and gradual process with legal, economic, social and cultural
dimensions. In this respect, learning the language ofthe host country is one of the main enablers
of integration, including labour market integration and vice versa, the lack of knowledge of the
local language can create barriers to integration. At the same time, language learning is a long
process. The success oflearning the new language depends on different objective and subjective
factors, such as effective language curriculum, flexible education process, exposure to the new
language, the age of the learner, the learner's native language, educational and cultural
background, motivation, and other specific circumstances.
In UNHCR's view, the proposal to penalize refugees for non-completion of Estonian language
courses is not in line the spirit of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and
may rather discourage refugees from learning Estonian and, as a result, limit their opportunities
for successful integration in Estonia. Upon arrival many refugees are in a precarious financial
situation and the prospect of having to reimburse significant costs for unfinished language
courses may make them reconsider or delay the start of language courses until their financial
situation has sufficiently improved. Requiring refugees to reimburse actual costs incurred also
means that the largest financial burden falls on those refugees who have completed the greatest
part of their studies.
Ms. Heidy Purga
Minister of Culture
Republic of Estonia
CC: - Ministry of the Interior, Republic of Estonia
- Ministry ofForeign Affairs, Republic of Estonia
Saatja: UNHCR Stockholm Sweden <
[email protected]>
Saadetud: 03.08.2023 18:11
Adressaat: KUM min <
[email protected]>
Koopia: <
[email protected]>; <
[email protected]>; Eda Silberg <
[email protected]>
Teema: UNHCR letter on Introduction of reimbursement for language learning for refugees
Tähtsus: Kõrgeim
Manused: image001.png; 067 UNHCR RNB letter 2 Aug 2023.pdf
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find attached letter dated 2 August from UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and
Baltic Countries (“RNB”) addressed to Ms. Heidy Purga, Minister of Culture, on the above
mentioned subject.
With thanks and kind regards
UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries
Sveavägen 166, Floor 15, 113 46, Stockholm, Sweden
Office: + 46 (0)10 101 28 00
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