The new government platform allows newcomers to learn about various aspects of the country and get administrative information from the comfort of their home. Photo: MFAMIGR

The new government platform allows newcomers to learn about various aspects of the country and get administrative information from the comfort of their home. Photo: MFAMIGR

With the multilingual virtual space InfoLux.lu, the government wants to facilitate the integration process for new and prospective residents.

Between figuring out admin procedures, finding accurate and updated information and navigating Luxembourg’s unique language system, moving to the grand duchy can be more stressful than needs be. “This platform [InfoLux] is designed to help people navigate their daily lives in Luxembourg and hopefully provide answers to most of their questions,” family and integration minister Corinne Cahen (DP) promises in a video playing in the main hall of the platform.

After a straightforward registration process, InfoLux users will enter a virtual space shaped like a municipal hall. Slightly reminiscent of a Sims game or a Second Life account, the platform allows users to approach the welcome desk to access a guidebook, events registrations or a list of entities participating in the hub. There is even a dedicated section for Ukrainians who have had to come to Luxembourg’s as refugees following the Russian invasion.

A TV screen offers news items, such as a celebratory note to announce that non-Luxembourg residents can vote during the June 2023 local elections. One virtual room is offering a list of participating structures divided into interest categories like housing and the environment, or languages and culture.

Education, communication and exchanges

The platform also offers a “Discover Luxembourg” room, where new arrivals to the country or potential future residents can educate themselves on aspects of the country like the local political system, history or culture and traditions. Users can also find places to visit and things to do in this space.

A virtual conference centre offers workshops--either as a livestream or as prerecorded videos--on integration topics, such as nationality, entrepreneurship or the country's languages too. The first such event is a virtual language café hosted by immigration association Asti.

Alongside this, users will be able to save various documents and chat transcripts on their profile.

A budget of some €45,000 has been dedicated to the setting up and continued development of the platform, which is free for visitors. It was created by external service provider Meetyoo/Ubivent which specialises in virtual event solutions. Content was provided by other ministries and government administrations as well as accredited partners from civic life.