Dual nationality for Dutch nationals living in the UK considered amidst Brexit chaos

Dutch political parties have joined forces to create a majority in the Lower House to support a proposal from D66 that would grant Dutch people living in the United Kingdom dual citizenship. 

Current law on dual citizenship

As it currently stands, Dutch law does not permit you to hold two nationalities. This means, if you have a Dutch passport and want citizenship from another country, you must relinquish your Dutch passport.

“Cannot be taken hostage by Brexit”

D66 MP Sjoerdsma stated on twitter that “Now that they are making chaos across the North Sea, Dutch political parties are joining forces. Dutch nationals in the UK cannot be taken hostage by the Brexit”.

Only for Dutch nationals in Britain

The emergency law will only apply to Dutch people living in Great Britain and vice versa. But they will not be left behind as the cabinet has already assured British people living in the Netherlands will get a 15 month extension if the UK leave the European Union without a deal.

3million support the proposal

3million, a large grassroots organisation of EU citizens in the UK who fervently campaign to protect citizens rights support the proposal. But they also believe that British nationals living in the Netherlands should be given a Dutch passport.

They stated on twitter “for someone whose livelihood depends on working in several EU countries, taking on Dutch citizenship provides the only way of keeping their precious EU citizenship” 

Brexit uncertainty

57,000 people want to sit on a beach to watch Brexit unfold for entertainment. But the uncertainty of Brexit could displace thousands of people and disrupt even more jobs and livelihoods.

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has stated that Brexit will happen on 31 October 2019, with or without a deal.

Feature image: Christopher Elison/Flikr 

Freya Sawbridge
Freya Sawbridge
Freya was born in Edinburgh but raised in New Zealand (cue every person she meets saying “oh I have always wanted to go there but it’s so far away!”). A restless and curious nature has led her to move countries 5 times in the last 3 years in attempt to find a place she can call home. She contacted DutchReview on a whim and arrived in the Netherlands in summer 2019 to start her internship.

1 COMMENT

  1. Relief for this political decision. To do justice to all the hard working Dutch people in UK.
    Freedom of movement in Europe is respected.

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