The Republican Integration Contract : an aid to the integration of migrants
Farhad Husseini is a 20-year-old Afghan migrant who has been granted subsidiary protection by OFPRA. He wants to work in the electric power industry. Elena Demchenko is a Ukrainian doctor whose husband, a French citizen, wished to retire in Ajaccio. She spent much of her career in Africa, where she used to speak English. Although she cannot work as a doctor in France, she has obtained a nursing diploma. Desislava Nikolova, 36 years old, was a professional accountant and waitress.
All three, despite their different situations, have one thing in common: to assist them in their integration process, they benefit from training courses as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) set up in 2016. This contract reinforces the support to foreigners newly and legally admitted to settle in France. This contract is concluded for one year between the State representative and the immigrants and is implemented by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). OFII invites the beneficiaries to a half-day reception session, during which their training needs and personal situation are assessed in an interview.
The contract sets up:
-A compulsory 4-day civic training course. It aims to introduce the principles and values of the Republic and the practical aspects of French society.
-Language training to enable those who do not master our language to reach an A1 level according to the international nomenclature. Four courses are offered, ranging from 100 to 600 hours depending on your level of French. Once you have reached level A1, a certification is issued to you.
Immigrants can also benefit from additional language training in order to reach (and OFII encourages them to do so) levels A2 and B1.
For further information about A1, A2 and B1 levels:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34739
At the end of the integration process provided for in the contract, an assessment interview is held. Its purpose is to assess the situation of the people concerned, and recommendations can be made in order to facilitate the integration process according to the particular situation of each person.
Priority is given to professional integration, which is the key to autonomy. Guidance towards a public employment service or other common law measures (PIAL, HOPE, etc.) is offered.
The contract may lead to a multi-annual residence permit, provided that the conditions of regular attendance and commitment are met.