Settle in Estonia adaptation programme becoming increasingly popular
The adaptation programme is becoming increasingly popular: Estonian migrants have taken part in almost 2,300 training courses on Estonian life and culture.
The number of participants in the Estonian national adaptation programme "Settle in Estonia" was 16% higher last year vs. the previous year. Estonian language training was the most popular subject. Training in the fields of work, entrepreneurship and family were also popular.
Last year, 1,950 participants took part in the training courses, this year that number rose to 2,262. Participants came to Estonia from Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria and India. Mostly, these participants came to Estonia to work, study or live with a family member.
According to Maria Aasma, Head of the Department of Cultural Diversity at the Ministry of Culture, every year more and more people are coming to live, work and study in Estonia, so the increased interest in adaptability training is a very positive result.
"The cohesion between the people who live here and the people who come to Estonia is important. Our goal is that people who have chosen Estonia as their place of residence can feel comfortable here, manage themselves and find ways to realise their dreams. With the training provided by the Adaptation Programme, we help newcomers to better understand our way of life and to settle in more quickly, " said Aasma.
The most popular courses in 2021 were Estonian language courses, which had 905 participants. The module outlining the values and principles of the Estonian state was attended almost 400 times; and training on work and entrepreneurship more than 60 times.
One-day thematic training sessions on the adaptation program are held in English and Russian. Language courses A1 and A2 take between three and five months to complete.
Aasma said that the training provided by the program is important for newcomers, helping them find the necessary contacts and information. "We also appeal to employers to encourage their non-Estonian employees to participate in the program, which can be strongly recommended to workers who have arrived in Estonia within the last five years," suggested Aasma.
She continues, "People often come to Estonia with their families and it is important that family members adapt to life here and find a suitable job. Several years of training experience have shown us that participating in the program is a good way to make new friends and acquaintances. It helps to integrate more easily into Estonian life".
The "Settle in Estonia" program, which consists of various free training courses, provides an overview of the Estonian state and society, as well as daily life in Estonia. The program provides newcomers with answers to important questions such as their rights and obligations in Estonia; how to open a bank account; find a family doctor or a local educational institution for their children.
A better knowledge of the local way of life in Estonia will help foreigners to settle in better and contribute to the development of the Estonian economy and society. The program is open to all foreigners with residence permits and rights who have arrived in Estonia within the last five years.
Last year, 4,014 EU citizens registered their residence in Estonia for the first time. In 2021, 6,087 third-country nationals were granted a primary temporary residence permit, compared to 4,710 in 2020. Temporary residence permits are issued in Estonia for work, study, business or family migration.
Until May 2021, the adjustment program was managed by the Ministry of the Interior, while today the Ministry of Culture is responsible for this policy area and implements the adjustment program through the European Social Fund (ESF). Since 2015, more than 10,600 individuals have participated in the program.
Settle in Estonia program particpants (2021, Countries of origin ranking)
1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Nigeria
4. India
5. Iran
6. Pakistan
7. Turkey
8. Belarus
9. Great Britain
10. Brazil
For further information:
"Settle in Estonia" adjustment program
settleinestonia@pressiinfo.ee
+ 372 51 21 131
