On Wednesday, the Dutch government’s Council of State criticized plans to end dual nationality for both Dutch expats and immigrants to the Netherlands. While 1.1 million of the country’s 16.7 million citizens have two nationalities, political leaders are planning to force Dutch natives to give up their citizenship if they relocate to another country and their passports in the process. They’re also seeking to stop new residents of the Netherlands from keeping their original nationalities if they opt to become Dutch citizens.
The Council of State argues that Dutch citizens are not “less connected” to the Netherlands if they move elsewhere and that, if anything, dual nationality encourages integration. The department is also unconvinced that forcing new citizens in the Netherlands to give up their original nationalities is an effective means of increasing their participation in Dutch politics and society in general.
In a statement, Home Affairs Minister Liesbeth Spies said that the government wants both sides to be limited to one nationality to effectively clarify “the rights and obligations between the state and the individual.” Additional policy proposals currently being considered by Dutch political leaders include compulsory language tests for expats and requiring new Dutch citizens to present proof of employment, their work experience and additional professional qualifications.
The new rules, should they go into effect, will not apply to Dutch citizens who currently possess multiple passports.
In November, a community of Dutch expats organized an online petition to protest the changes. It argues that “identity and loyalty to the Netherlands does not get lost with a second nationality.” Over 11,000 individuals have signed it thus far.
The Netherlands’ Council of State Urges Reconsideration of Dual
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