THE HAGUE–The amendments to eliminate the double-language test in the Dutch Caribbean and to exempt the residency by investment policy on the islands were voted down in the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament last Tuesday.
The Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten submitted an amendment to eliminate the double-language test as part of the naturalisation procedure.
The amendment sought to eliminate the double-language test that was introduced in January 2011, as part of the naturalisation process for foreigners who want to obtain Dutch citizenship. The islands want to return to the old situation where the test was allowed in one language, where participants could also choose Papiamentu or English.
However, there was no majority support for the amendment in the Second Chamber. This means that the double-language test, which the Dutch Caribbean countries deem unfair, disproportionate and unnecessary, will remain in effect.
There was also no majority support for the Residency by Investment amendment. This amendment sought to create an exemption in the adapted Kingdom Law for the current policies in the Dutch Caribbean for investors and wealthy pensioners who can obtain a residency permit through investment, and request the Dutch nationality after five years.
The Daily Herald, June 29, 2016