Purpose and Subject Matter (INTG)

1. The law aims to integrate the foreign population according to the principle of support and demand.

2. To fulfill this purpose, the law aims to promote equal opportunities for the foreign population.

3. It defines the objectives of integration for the foreigners residing in the canton of Bern, as well as their contribution to integration.

4. It regulates the responsibilities of the canton and the municipalities in the area of integration.

1. The objective of integration is a constructive coexistence based on mutual respect between the Swiss and foreign populations, founded on the Swiss legal system.

2. The foreign population should be enabled to participate in education as well as in economic, social, and cultural life.

3. The promotion of integration is limited to persons for whom federal law provides that measures should be taken for their integration.

1. Foreign nationals contribute to their integration by

a) committing, within the scope of their abilities and possibilities, to learning the official language or one of the official languages of the administrative district in which they reside,

b) striving to support themselves through their own means,

c) endeavoring to acquire the necessary education for participation in economic, social, and cultural life,

d) respecting public safety and order.

1. The promotion of integration takes place within the framework of existing public and private structures. Special measures under this law are offered only as supplementary support.

2. The promotion of integration is based on

a. the individual resources of the persons concerned,

b. the acceptance of gender equality,

c. the needs of families and caregivers,

d. the principle that no one shall be discriminated against, particularly not on account of race, skin color, gender, age, language, origin, lifestyle, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, or due to physical, mental or psychological disability.

3. It begins as early as possible with children and adolescents, involving the parents.

1. Foreign nationals newly arrived from abroad, as well as foreign nationals who, prior to their relocation, have not resided in another canton of Switzerland for more than twelve months, are required to register in person with the competent municipal authority.

2. During the personal registration, the competent municipal authority shall adequately inform individuals as per paragraph 1 about their rights and obligations, as well as the local living conditions and the services available to promote integration.

3. If, during this initial meeting, the competent authority determines that the registering individual or their minor children might have a specific need for information regarding integration matters, the authority shall register the individuals concerned with an integration point, providing the reasons for such registration.

4. There may be a specific need for information, particularly if the individuals

a) do not have or have only limited knowledge of the official language or one of the official languages in the administrative district where they reside,

b) do not have a vocational qualification recognized in Switzerland, will not be undertaking any education or training, or are not engaged in any employment,

c) have minor children.

5. The government council shall regulate further details in an ordinance and ensure uniform legal application.

1. Individuals assigned to a contact point are obligated to visit it. Compliance with this obligation is a prerequisite for the issuance of the residence permit under immigration law.

2. For nationals of the Member States of the European Community and the European Free Trade Association, the assignment is considered a recommendation.

3. The contact point reports to the authority responsible for the enforcement of immigration legislation (migration authority) any assigned individuals who have not visited the contact point.

1. The contact points for integration advise private individuals as well as private and public organizations on matters of integration.

2. The Directorate of Health, Social Affairs, and Integration ensures that contact points are available to the population throughout the entire canton.

3. It designates the responsible contact points in consultation with the municipalities.

4. It may transfer the management of the contact points to municipalities or private organizations through a service contract.

1. The contact point for integration conducts a consultation interview with the affected individuals and determines whether there is a need for integration measures.

2. It communicates the result of its assessment to the immigration authority.

3. If no integration agreement pursuant to Article 9 can be concluded, but a need for integration measures is identified, it recommends integration measures to the affected individuals. It supervises and monitors their implementation.

If the assessment reveals that there is a need for an integration measure, the contact point consults with the migration authority to determine whether it intends to conclude an integration agreement with the affected person.

The contact point prepares a draft agreement with the affected person for the migration authority's purposes.

The migration authority concludes the integration agreement with the affected person.

It links the granting or extension of the residence permit to the obligation to conclude and fulfill an integration agreement.

1. The Integration Agreement contains

a the obligation to attend and complete a language course or another residency law-relevant integration measure,

b the consequences in the event that the agreed objectives are not met.

2. The costs of the integration measures according to paragraph 1 letter a shall be borne by the obligated person.

1. Upon the conclusion of an integration agreement, the assigning contact point ensures the necessary support and monitoring of the fulfillment of this agreement.

2. The contact point reports to the competent migration authority and the municipality of residence on the implementation of the agreement.

3. The authorities entrusted with the enforcement of foreigner law take into account compliance with the agreements in proceedings concerning the issuance, extension, or revocation of residence or settlement permits.

The canton and municipalities fulfill their responsibilities in the area of integration in collaboration with public and private organizations, including social partners and organizations of foreigners.

They review their legal regulations and the access to cantonal and municipal services for barriers to integration and take measures to eliminate them.

The Canton and the municipalities provide foreign nationals with the same access to jobs and apprenticeships as applicants of Swiss nationality, given comparable qualifications. Exceptions are subject to specific legal regulations that require Swiss citizenship for employment. The Canton and the municipalities ensure the training of their employees who frequently interact with the foreign population on integration-specific issues and promote their cross-cultural competence.

1. The canton and municipalities shall ensure the prevention and combating of discrimination against foreigners as well as against persons of Swiss nationality.

2. They may, in particular, engage in targeted public awareness and sensitization activities and provide advisory services for those affected. In doing so, they cooperate with the competent federal authorities and other public and private institutions active in this field.

1. The canton informs the public about the integration policy and topics related to migration and integration.

The canton ensures that language courses are offered to foreigners based on their needs.

The Government Council may establish a commission as an advisory body for cantonal integration policy, which advises it, the cantonal administration, and the municipalities on the implementation of this law.

Employers, with the support of the canton, inform their foreign employees about offerings to promote integration.

1. The municipalities finance the costs of the initial information according to Article 5.

2. The canton finances the contact points for integration for conducting advice and support according to Articles 8, 9, and 11.

3. The expenditures of the municipalities according to paragraph 1 and of the canton according to paragraph 2 are subject to financial equalization under social assistance legislation, insofar as the contributions granted by the federal government for these purposes are insufficient.

4. The governing council regulates by ordinance the eligibility for financial equalization of the expenditures of the municipalities. It may set lump sums.

1. The canton and the municipalities may, within their jurisdiction and based on this law, take further measures to promote integration and either carry out projects themselves or support them with contributions.

2. Financing according to Article 19 or support with contributions will be provided as far as possible in addition to contributions from the federal government or third parties.

3. The authority of the canton responsible under this law or under specific legislation grants contributions for measures and projects pursuant to paragraph 1 by decree or service contract.

1. The canton and municipalities may enter into service agreements with each other and with third parties to implement integration measures.

2. The following prerequisites apply to the conclusion of service agreements

a) a demonstrated need for the service offering,

b) for services that must be provided by professionally competent personnel, proof that the appropriate personnel is available,

c) support of the cantonal integration policy, in particular the objectives and measures provided for in the Integration Act in terms of promoting and demanding, and

d) an organization of the service provider that is appropriate to the task.

3. The prerequisites pursuant to paragraph 2 also apply to contributions granted by decree.

1. If a service provider breaches contractual obligations, the competent authority of the canton or municipality may, after an unsuccessful reminder, reduce, discontinue, or reclaim the contributions along with interest from the date of payment.

2. In cases of serious breaches of duty, the contracts may be terminated without notice.

**Article [Insert Number]: Implementation Provisions**

The Cantonal Council enacts the provisions necessary for the implementation of this law.

It analyzes the situation of foreigners concerning integration, commissions the development of action plans for implementing this law across all areas of cantonal administration, and approves these action plans.

The responsible office within the Directorate of Health, Social Affairs, and Integration coordinates the canton’s integration measures. It serves as a point of contact for federal and cantonal authorities, municipalities, and private organizations. It supervises the implementation of integration measures in collaboration, particularly with the Directorate of Security.

1. The Act of 20 June 1995 on the Organization of the Government Council and the Administration (Organization Act, OrG) is amended as follows

1. The government council determines the date of entry into force.