An official ceremony was held at Neimënster on Tuesday 10 May 2016 to present certificates to 60 individuals for completing the reception and integration contract (CAI).

The CAI ("contrat d'accueil et d'intégration" in French) aims to facilitate the integration of foreign residents into the social, economic and political life of the Grand Duchy. During the course, participants are able to discover Luxemoburg, its languages, customs and institutions.

Every foreigner over the age of 16 who is legally established in Luxembourg is entitled to sign the contract which includes language training at a reduced rate, civics courses and an orientation day. It is equally aimed at citizens of the European Union as third country nationals, newcomers who have been established in Luxembourg for several years. The contract is for a period of two years from the date of the first delivery.

The last certificate ceremony was held in December 2015 for 60 people, and 4,500 signatories from around 135 different countries have joined the initiative since its launch in October 2011.

During the ceremony, Minister for Family and Integration, Corinne Cahen, gave a speech thanking the signatories for their commitment in the three administrative languages of Luxembourg.

"We do not want a society in parallel," the Minister commented. "We must live together in our diversity, whatever our nationality." She also used the opportunity to highlight the fact that this week is National Diversity Week. In her role as sponsor of the Diversity Charter Lëtzebuerg, Minister Cahen will be on the ground to visit organisations taking action is support of diversity.

The Minister also congratulated the multiple signatories who opted to learn Luxembourgish, a language that is being increasingly sought by 46% of signatories, before calling on those present to register on the electoral lists for the upcoming local elections being held in October 2017.

"The future of your municipality concerns you," the Minister urged. "Add your voice. Learn and register now."

To register for the CAI, contact OLAI to make an appointment for an information session at +352 247 857 85 or cai@olai.etat.lu.

 

Photo by OLAI