TOP 09 wants to make integration courses mandatory

The centre-right TOP 09 party wants to propose an amendment to the asylum law that would make it mandatory for people who are granted asylum in the Czech Republic to take part in integration programs. The party’s deputy chair Helena Langšádlová presented the proposal to journalists in Prague on Friday. She said support for refugees was important and the country should admit those in need but stressed that clear rules would have to be laid down and observed in the process; those granted asylum would have to make an effort to integrate, those not willing to learn Czech and comprehend our values and traditions would have to leave the country. TOP 09 is also pushing for schools to provide better education about different cultures and religions in order for Czechs to be more open to foreigners.