Act on the Introduction of the Integration Provisions of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (Integration Act) (Integrationsgesetz) - Promotion of Integration

1. Canton and municipal communities promote the integration of the migrant population according to the provisions of the Federal Act of December 16, 2005, on Foreign Nationals (AuG).

2. The promotion of integration begins with the arrival.

3. Canton and municipal communities ensure that discrimination against foreigners as well as locals is avoided and combated. They strive for equal opportunities for all.

4. Canton and municipal communities ensure that foreigners have a say in the promotion of integration and that men and women are treated equally.

5. The canton ensures the training of cantonal employees who are tasked with the implementation of the promotion measures.

6. Employers inform their foreign employees about the offerings for the promotion of integration.

1. Foreign nationals are obligated to familiarize themselves with the local social circumstances and living conditions, and to acquire the necessary language skills for this purpose.

1. The granting of a residence or short-term residence permit may be conditional upon attending a language or integration course. This also applies to the granting of a permit in the context of family reunification (Articles 43 - 45 FNA). The obligation to attend the course may be stipulated in an integration agreement.

2. The degree of integration is taken into account when granting a settlement permit (Article 34 paragraph 4 FNA) and in the exercise of discretion by the authorities, particularly in cases of expulsion and deportation, as well as entry bans (Article 96 FNA).

1. The canton grants financial contributions for the integration of foreigners. In determining these, it particularly considers the financial participation of municipal communities, the federal government, and third parties.

2. Users of state-supported language and integration courses contribute to the course costs appropriately, taking into account their economic circumstances.

3. The canton and the municipal communities may enter into performance agreements with each other and with third parties for the implementation of integration measures.

1. The government council directs the cantonal integration measures.

2. The competent directorate coordinates the measures of the cantonal offices for integration and ensures the exchange of information and experiences with the municipalities and the Canton of Basel-Stadt.

3. The competent directorate designates a contact point for integration issues to the federal authorities.

1. The competent directorate investigates the development and effectiveness of the support measures and submits proposals for their optimization to the government council. The results of the investigation are to be published regularly.

1. The authorities of the canton work closely with the authorities of the canton of Basel-Stadt to achieve the integration objectives.

1. The government council enacts the commencement of this law.