New arrivals to the Netherlands will be able to borrow up to €10,000 in a soft loan to pay for their compulsory integration (inburgering) course, the government has decided.
Immigrants will have up to three years to pass the course, which will include a centrally-organised examination, or lose their residency permit.
The government has also committed itself to ensuring there are enough courses available which meet the proper standard.
Until now, courses have been entirely or partly funded by local government.
Most newcomers to the Netherlands, apart from EU residents, are required to go through the formal integration process which involves learning the language and about Dutch society.