As you may already know, there is a proposal to change the Dutch nationality law. This concept change of law, proposal, was made following the Dutch government coalition agreement published 15 Dec 2021. In it was agreed that the loss of Dutch nationality has led to undesirable problems and that the automatic loss through the 10-Year Clock (now 13-Years) would be addressed. In addition that it would be made easier to stay Dutch. And that those who lost the nationality since 01 April 2003 would be able to get it back. The now proposed changes we find too limited and not in the spirit of what was announced. Therefore we have responded and made our case and arguments. You can read our 21 pages response online. And you can respond yourself until 15 May 2003, so hurry! See below.

Because the response is in Dutch let me set out the key points here. As said, the proposed changes didn’t do justice to the impression we got from the coalition agreement and doesn’t do justice to many former Dutch nationals. Although the date 01 April 2003 was clearly set out in the coalition agreement it ignores the plight of many who have lost their nationality since 01 January 1985. We made good arguments why this should be changed. In addition, the current proposal limits the possibility for getting the nationality back to a 2 year period. We would like to see no limit to the possibility to unconditionally get the Dutch nationality back if it was automatically lost.

The concept proposal also addressed some other matters. We looked to create a clearer text on one, and fully supported another. More importantly we made some of our own additional proposals and argued that automatic loss should be removed all together. A person should be able to relinquish his/her nationality but not be forced to. We went into some detail on many aspects, and you can read the full 21 pages (in Dutch) below.

Our response was a joined effort and was co-signed by lawyers and others who supported our views. I would like to thank everyone who gave their input. Please note that anyone agreeing with our views can let us know by liking, sharing, forwarding, on social media, etc.

Although our response has already been submitted, we still accept signatures of lawyers, organisations, famous Dutchies, and publish this on our own websites. We will be using this document to ask politicians to consider the past injustices and solutions they can create and/or vote for.

You have a few days left to tell your own story, and how you want the law to be changed. You can of course also explain that you agree with our response. Yes, it is nice that some people can temporarily get their nationality back (if the law passes). But what about the many others? Give your feedback here: https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/wijzigingrwn/b1 (Note, due to privacy regulations do not mention someone’s name or personal details in the response, including your own).

Please note, this is is just the concept, the first draft, of the proposed changes. The concept could be adjusted, or during the process of making this into law still be changed. Ultimately, it is up to the politicians to create or amend this law and to vote it in, or out. So, until this has become law, don’t expect too much. In addition, from previous changes to the law we know that this could still take a few years before it becomes an active law. If…