17.939 newcomers obtained an integration certificate in Flanders in 2024
In 2024, a total of 17.939 newcomers obtained an integration certificate in Flanders, according to the Jaarrapport Inburgering 2024. This is the highest number recorded since 2018 and marks a 16% increase compared to the previous year.
The integration certificate (inburgeringsattest) is awarded to individuals who complete all components of the integration programme. In Flanders, the integration programme includes several components, and the criteria for obtaining the certificate have evolved over time. Since 2016, participants must pass both the civic orientation and Dutch language modules. For contracts signed from 1 March 2022 onwards, registration with the public employment service (VDAB) within 60 days is also required for those not in employment. From 2023 onwards, participation in a networking and social participation trajectory has become a fourth mandatory component.
In 2024, the number of certificates issued increased across all regional agencies:
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12.144 were issued by the Flemish Agency for Integration (+15% compared to 2023),
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4.433 by Atlas in Antwerp (+23% compared to 2023),
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1.361 by Amal in Ghent (+7% compared to 2023).
The certificates were most frequently issued in:
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The city of Antwerp (4.433),
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West Flanders (2.854),
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The province of Antwerp (2.180),
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East Flanders (2.052),
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Flemish Brabant (2.043).
Lower figures were recorded in Limburg (1.650), Brussels (1.365), and the city of Ghent (1.361).
The "Jaarrapport Inburgering 2024" provides detailed information on other aspects, including the number of adult newcomers in Flanders in 2024, the number of people who signed an integration contract for the first time, the number of participants starting a civic orientation course or enrolled in Dutch language training (NT2), the average duration of the integration trajectory, and the number of infringement cases and sanctions related to compliance.
For further details, please read the full report (in Dutch) attached below. Joke Vispoel and Gerlinde Doyen from ABB, together with Isabelle Heyndrickx from the Agency for Integration and Civic Integration, presented the report to the Committee on Home Affairs and Integration of the Flemish Parliament. The hearing report is available on this page of the Flemish Parliament’s website (in Dutch).