The inform has been developed by the European Migration Network (EMN), in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offering a detailed examination of the language and literacy measures available to adult beneficiaries of international protection (BIP) across 24 EMN Member and Observer Countries which covers the situation up to January 2025. The inform provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of policies and practices, exploring design, implementation, tailored support, and good practices to help create informed integration policy at both EU and national levels.
Proficiency in the host country’s language is widely recognised as a critical factor in successful integration. It facilitates access to employment, education and public services, as well as broader participation in society. Adult BIP often face a unique set of challenges that can affect their participation in language and literacy programmes. These include disrupted or limited access to formal education, low literacy, and trauma related to conflict, displacement or separation from family. Tailored language provision measures for adult BIP with limited literacy or education include special courses for those unfamiliar with the Latin alphabet, digital literacy training, and adjusted pacing for learners with limited experience in formal education.
The majority of countries have quality assurance frameworks in place, including approved curricula, qualification requirements for educators, and feedback mechanisms. The documented good practices include labour market integration measures that link language learning with employment, digital and practical tools to support language learning beyond the classroom, and additional support measures such as flexible course times, childcare, transport assistance and online or hybrid learning formats.