Dual nationality to be ruled out

March 30, 2011 1:49 PM

THE HAGUE--Everyone who wants to adopt the Dutch nationality will soon have to give up their original nationality, if that is legally possible, Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner said Monday.

At the moment, for example, people who marry a Dutch citizen can keep their original nationality if they decide to become Dutch as well.

"Dutch citizenship is the crown on participation and integration into society," Donner said in a statement, outlining plans to toughen up the rules on becoming Dutch.

The new measures were included in the coalition agreement between the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD, Christian Democrat CDA and Party for Freedom PVV.

Minister Donner is also planning to introduce compulsory language tests for everyone. Some people are currently exempt from such a test.

New Dutch nationals will also be required to have a family income of at least the minimum wage and show that they have at least two years of work experience or some sort of professional qualification.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has opened an Internet portal where everyone can comment on the proposed changes.

In four weeks time, the draft legislation will be sent to the Council of State for its assessment, after which it will be submitted to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament for approval.

29 March 2011

.