Slovenia tightens language requirements for foreigners

Slovenia's proposed amendment to the Foreigners Act introduces significantly stricter language requirements for third-country nationals, sparking debate about integration and feasibility.

The proposed changes elevate the required Slovenian language proficiency for family reunification to A2 level and for permanent residence to B1, a substantial increase from the current A2 level for permanent residence and a basic oral communication level for family reunification.

Doc. Dr. Ina Ferbežar, head of the Examination Center at the Center for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language, highlights that the jump to A2 for family reunification is disproportionate and may be an unattainable goal for many.

Research from the Council of Europe in 2018 indicated that few EU countries conditioned temporary residence or family reunification on language proficiency, and when they did, requirements were typically at A1. For permanent residence, A2 was common, with Denmark being an exception requiring B1 but offering extensive free language support.

While some countries have since tightened requirements, they often focus on oral communication and listening skills, not demanding the same level for reading and especially writing. Slovenia's proposed amendment, however, mandates B1 proficiency across written, listening, and oral components for permanent residence, raising questions about its practicality and societal impact.

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I sincerely wish that every language requirement is prepared with a trembling hand: with careful consideration and clear goals.