Mapping social orientation in Estonia
In Estonia, there are no social orientation courses available for persons seeking international protection. There is only one social orientation programme, which is the adaptation programme organised by the state. It is voluntary for foreign nationals who have legally resided in Estonia for less than 5 years, including EU citizens and third country migrants. All non-nationals who have been issued a residence permit since 1 August 2015 have been offered to participate in adaptation programme by Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. Those who have been issued a residence permit before 1 August 2015 and have legally resided in Estonia for less than 5 years need to apply for the course themselves. Since 2016, the beneficiaries of international protection are obliged to participate in the international protection module and Estonian language courses of the adaptation programme. The integration services (language courses, counselling) provided for settled migrants (who have lived in Estonia for more than 5 years) are also voluntary.
