Responding to a parliamentary question, Claude Meisch said that new examiners were being trained, enabling the creation of four new exams which would provide space for 512 candidates.

Their possible provision comes in response to a demand which has “increased exponentially” since the entry into force of the new law on 1 April 2017.

Marc Spautz, who asked the parliamentary question, pointed out that waiting times for the language test were extreme, with next available places offered in July 2018. Meisch confirmed this, adding that prior to the new law’s entry into force, waiting times were three to four weeks as opposed to six months currently.

During the academic year 2016-17, some 1,400 candidates took the nationality language test, compared with 1,616 registered so far in the 2017-2018 academic year.

In addition to the four new exam dates, the INL will offer more Luxembourg language classes and move back to their newly-renovated Limpertsberg site on Boulevard de la Foire, which Meisch said would provide a more “intensive” framework for learning. Furthermore, he said there were plans to hire more teaching staff for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Waiting times to attend the “Vivre Ensemble” sessions, compulsory for applicants who have lived in the country for fewer than 20 years, were around 1 month, Meisch said.