UK And Dutch Expat Groups Urge Netherlands To Update Dual Nationality Law

British expats living in the Netherlands as well as Dutch nationals living in the UK are urging the Dutch government to update the law on dual nationality.

Netherlands lawmakers had pledged an overhaul for the outdated Dutch dual nationality law but have failed to implement any changes to date. With Brexit looming, groups in both camps have been stepping up their pleas for the promise to be kept. Last Thursday, representatives from the 3Million group added their voices to the clamour at a special Brexit impact meeting held by the Dutch parliament’s Europe committee.

Lobby group 3 Million’s representative Hedwig Hegtermans told the meeting there’s an overkill of Brexit news about businesses and trade, but very little about citizens’ post-Brexit rights. Dutch nationals living and working in the UK who’d prefer to stay there are especially concerned that their children may well be hit by the two-passport ban. For example, children born in the UK who’ve been through a British education and wish to attend a British university would have to pay double the fees as they’re not officially UK citizens.

On a different subject, Sarah Parkes from the Netherlands-based Brexpats Hear our Voice group told the meeting UK nationals are about to lose the freedom of movement rights essential for a number of businesses as well as for employees in certain professions. Parkes also pointed out many of those affected didn’t even get a chance to vote on their personal fates should Brexit happen. Dutch Christian Democrat MP Peter Omzigt said he’d not been aware Brexit had become a major issue for residents, with chair of the meeting Malik Azmani adding he’d believed everything was organised as regards citizens’ rights.

What didn’t happen was a discussion of constructive ideas on how to deal with the dual citizenship solution for the tens of thousands affected. The new Dutch government has included a commitment to reform the laws governing dual citizenship, but no action has been taken to date. According to a Justice Minister spokesperson, no announcements on the issue can be made at this time as regards changes to dual nationality rules.