Ukraine wants to separate language exams for foreigners and civil servants
As reported by the "Judicial and Legal Newspaper", Ukraine may completely change the approach to language exams for foreigners: instead of the current model, which practically works the same for Ukrainian civil servants and those who are only learning Ukrainian as a foreign language, it is proposed to create a separate international certification system — similar to TOEFL or IELTS.
The Committee supported the draft law on new rules for determining the level of Ukrainian language proficiency for foreigners.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy reviewed draft law 15261. The Committee Chairman noted that the draft law was prepared based on a previously registered government initiative and refined following expert consultations.
"The law was developed by our Committee to replace a similar government one. The goal and essence of the law have not changed. We simplified it somewhat so that it does not contain an excessive number of changes to other laws, but the essence remains the same," he emphasized.
The document proposes optimizing the classification of Ukrainian language proficiency levels for performing official duties, as well as introducing a separate classification of Ukrainian language proficiency levels as a foreign language. In particular, such requirements are planned to be applied during the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship.
The draft law also expands the powers of the National Commission on State Language Standards. The Commission, in particular, will have the right to approve requirements for Ukrainian language proficiency levels as a foreign language, determine methods for knowledge assessment, organize relevant exams, approve examination tasks, and carry out international cooperation in this field.
According to the deputies, the adoption of the draft law will ensure the optimization of processes for organizing and conducting exams on the level of Ukrainian language proficiency for different target groups, promote the popularization of the Ukrainian language, culture, and education abroad, and strengthen Ukraine's position in the international community.
After refinement, the document became clearer and more understandable from a legal point of view.
At the same time, deputies emphasized the need to return to the issue of confirming the level of proficiency in the state language by persons applying for positions in state authorities and local self-government. Therefore, it was proposed during the preparation of the document for the second reading to consider the possibility of restoring certain provisions suspended during the martial law period.
Special attention was paid by the meeting participants to ensuring the conduct of Ukrainian language exams for foreigners abroad.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee highlighted the advisability of considering the possibility of involving the Ukrainian Institute in organizing exams abroad.
Also, as a result of the working group's work, a provision was included in the draft law that provides for the possibility of delegating powers regarding the conduct of exams to the Ukrainian Institute and other institutions abroad.
Following the review, the Committee recommended the Verkhovna Rada adopt the mentioned draft law as a basis with the refinement of its provisions for the second reading accordingly.
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