Home Blog Page 354

The Dutch passport is the fifth most powerful in the world; where does yours rank?

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
-
1
The Dutch passport is the fifth most powerful in the world; where does yours rank?

Are you a Dutch passport holder? Gefeliciteerd, you’ve got your hands on the fifth-most powerful passport in the world. 🥳

Henley & Partners have just dropped their global ranking of the most powerful passports in the world.

The list compares the visa-free access of nearly 200 passports — and we ain’t surprised to see the Netherlands in the top 10.

READ MORE | How to get Dutch citizenship in 2023: becoming a Nederlander

Asian countries take the lead this year

In a welcome change from European countries dominating the rankings, three Asian countries topped the charts. 🏆

Japan and Singapore jointly nabbed the coveted #1 spot, with South Korea claiming #2.

As the countries with the highest mobility rates in the world, they can respectively visit 193 and 192 countries without requiring a visa.

Europe claims most of the rest

With the exception of New Zealand and the United States at joint #7, and Australia and Canada at equal #8, European countries claimed spots #3 to #10.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands is joined by Austria, Denmark, and Sweden at number #5, enjoying visa-free access to a whopping 189 countries.

The top 10 list is as follows:

RankPlace(s)
1Japan, Singapore
2South Korea
3Germany, Spain
4Finland, Italy, Luxembourg
5Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden
6France, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom
7Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United States
8Australia, Canada, Greece, Malta
9Hungary, Poland
10Lithuania, Slovakia

Even the lowest-ranked in the top ten can access a shocking 184 countries visa-free.

That number is a far cry from the paltry 27 and 29 countries that Afghanistan and Iraq, the two lowest on the global rankings, can visit.

Is your country not on the list? See the full index.

Where does your passport rank? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Dutch tax official found with €920,000 cash in his kitchen, says he has no idea it was there

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
-
5
Dutch tax official found with €920,000 cash in his kitchen, says he has no idea it was there

An official from our beloved Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration) has been found with almost a million euros cash in his kitchen. 

We all know tax officials aren’t paid THAT well, so yep: he’s suspected of leaking information to criminals. 

A pretty serious crime means a pretty serious time, right? Nah. His punishment? 180 hours of community service. Here’s what went down.

A stack of cash for dinner, anyone?

The suspect in the case is a 53-year-old man, who had been working as a tax official for the Belastingdienst since 2007.

His apartment was raided by the politie in July of last year after they had reason to suspect him of leaking information, reports RTL Nieuws.

Lo and behold, they found something. And by “something,” we mean five boxes stacked with cash — €920,000, to be exact. 📦 💶

READ MORE | €400 per month?! These Dutch students have been stealing from supermarkets with self-scans

The amount was hidden behind the skirting boards of the man’s kitchen cabinets, and he claims to have had no idea the cash was there. 🤷‍♂️

Why no prison sentence?

The Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service) took the official to court, where they sued him for money laundering and data breach. 👨‍⚖️

The prosecutor demanded a prison sentence of 36 months, 12 of which would be probationary.

The accused acknowledged occasionally giving out sensitive information from the Belastingdienst’s systems to help people with tax questions. The court, therefore, ruled the man guilty of a data protection breach.

READ MORE | BSNs and other data illegally sold from GGD system to criminals

When it came to the hidden money, the suspect continued to plead his innocence. Since the court could not provide concrete evidence proving that the official knew about the money in his kitchen, he could not be charged with money laundering.

That’s why the suspect got away with only 180 hours of community service. 😳

Broken trust

The court emphasized that both the government and society should be able to trust tax officials like the suspect, who handle sensitive information about millions of us on a daily basis.

READ MORE | 10 things to know about taxes in the Netherlands as an expat

Therefore, on top of community service, the man’s employer has announced that they will fire him. The large sum of money will be confiscated (we volunteer as tributes!).

Do you think this man knew about the money in his kitchen? Tell us in the comments!

It’s SNOWING in the Netherlands and we couldn’t be more excited

Francesca Burbano
-
0
It’s SNOWING in the Netherlands and we couldn’t be more excited

Time to bundle up with those warm earmuffs and winter gloves as true winter weather descends on the Netherlands.  

Following a blanketing of snow in parts of the country overnight, the KNMI has issued a Code Orange warning for several Dutch provinces, including Utrecht, Gelderland, North Brabant, and Limburg. 

Forecasts show that the snow could fall up to five to eight centimetres per hour. 

Drivers, be careful!

Due to winter showers and freezing wet roads, there is a high chance of slipperiness Friday morning making it a good idea to keep an eye out. 👀

Heavy snowfall can cause considerable damage and dangerous situations for drivers.  

Drivers who have to hit the roads today are warned to drive carefully and keep a safe following distance. 🚗

In various places last night, municipality workers have already taken action to save the roads from ice. 

Possibility of traffic jams

Because of the winter conditions, traffic jams are to be expected (cue sigh for everyone driving).

Of course, drivers should already be used to this, after long traffic jams due to accidents with trucks formed on Thursday. 

READ MORE | Snow across the Netherlands tonight? Yep, it’s on the cards

The ANWB, which measures traffic jams on highways and provincial roads, reported 800 kilometres of traffic jams around 8 AM this morning. Yikes! 

But there’s a silver lining here, as ANWB reports that the rush hour on Friday is less intense than on other working days. 🎉

How are you spending today with the winter weather? Tell us in the comments below! 

Snow across the Netherlands tonight? Yep, it’s on the cards!

Eva Gabriella
-
0
Snow across the Netherlands tonight? Yep, it’s on the cards!

Let there be snow! Get ready for wintry showers because snow is forecasted to fall across all regions tonight and well into tomorrow.☃️

This morning, our neighbours in the south of the country woke up to a healthy dose of slush and wet snow. 

If you’re green with envy, we have some good news! Weeronline reports that winter showers of snow and hail will spread across the country today and continue throughout tomorrow. 

In not-so-good news, the KNMI has issued a code yellow for slipperiness throughout the country because of winter showers and the freezing of wet roads.

When and where?

Over the course of the day, the rest of the Netherlands will slowly follow suit as a mixture of sun and clouds turn into wintry showers. 

READ MORE | 11 must-have closet items to survive the Dutch weather

A blend of rain and hail will turn to snow as the evening gets cooler. Specifically, snow will fall in the southern regions tonight and gradually move inland towards east Brabant and Limburg tomorrow.

Northern provinces are also expected to receive a winter shower, so no one is left out!

Helaas! The snow isn’t here to stay. Temperatures across the country will remain above freezing, though, which means the snow will melt before we’ve had the chance to put on our snow boots. 🥲

Car chaos

While a snowy morning view is cute at first, reality hits hard. With the current and coming snow, the Netherlands is set to see a bit of slush-filled chaos — especially on its roads. 

RTL Nieuws reports that this morning’s rush hour was the busiest it’s been since 2019. The roads were already busy due to the regional transport strikes, but the traffic worsened due to the slippery conditions.

If you’re considering braving the winter weather, we advise watching where you step — and maybe skipping that car commute! 

How will you be spending these wintry days? Tell us in the comments below!

Amsterdam launches plan to help poorest households reduce energy bills

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
-
0
Amsterdam launches plan to help poorest households reduce energy bills

Inflation and rising energy costs are putting many people in a critical situation, but the municipality of Amsterdam has decided to step up for its residents.

In an effort to help the capital’s poorest households through the energy crisis, and to prevent them from enduring further debt and cold nights, Amsterdam has come up with a plan.

Invisible vulnerable group

Energy suppliers leave those with large payment arrears without a contract, hitting those that are struggling the most.

Due to unaffordable energy costs, more than 700 Amsterdam households no longer have energy contracts, and every week about 20 more households are added to this number, writes the NOS. 📈

READ MORE | All you need to know about the Dutch energy subsidy and price cap

The municipality of Amsterdam will now intervene to prevent such contract terminations and offer targeted help to those that need it the most.

“This vulnerable and poorly visible group comes into the picture thanks to the exchange of information between the municipality and Liander (Amsterdam’s energy grid operator),” Marjolein Moorman of the city council tells AT5/NH News.

Intervention at a critical moment

How it works is simple. When a contract threatens to be dissolved by the energy company, Liander will notify the municipality of Amsterdam, which can then help its citizens out.

READ MORE | Amsterdam is introducing free transport for children to reduce traffic in the city

A debt counsellor from the municipality will contact the affected households and help them negotiate a new energy contract. They will also be helped with the prevention of further debt, if necessary. 🙏

After a three-month trial period, the results will be evaluated. 

This agreement between the Dutch capital and Liander is the first of its kind. Never before has the Netherlands seen a cooperation between municipality and energy provider to tackle debt problems. 

Thank you, Amsterdam. 🧡

What do you think about Amsterdam’s initiative to help those in need tackle the energy crisis? Tell us in the comments!

Hoera! You may get hundreds in compensation from the Dutch government

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
-
0
Hoera! You may get hundreds in compensation from the Dutch government

Are your knees quaking at the thought of the energy bill you’re expecting this year? Well, there might be a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, in the form of government compensation worth around €1,600! 💸

According to a new press release, this plan devised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs aims to accommodate people that do not already benefit from the price cap.

Who might these people be, you ask? Those with block heating!

Hoera, for households with block heating

Although much needed, the energy cap implemented last year wasn’t appropriate for households with shared gas and electrical connections (block heating).

The present plan, however, says that households sharing a connection for gas and electricity will now receive compensation.

Translation: The cabinet is urgently working on a scheme to also help households with a block connection with high energy costs. The government is now sharing an indication of the allowance, so that housing organisations can take this into account.

Although the exact amount of compensation and the scheme for implementation are still being ironed out, it appears that residents can’t apply for this grant themselves.

Instead, landlords, housing institutions, and owners will need to apply for them.

Proposed compensation for the first half of 2023

The allowance provided will be as close to the price ceiling as possible, and the amounts for the first half of the year are as follows:

  • €786.45 for self-contained housing units with block gas/heat
  • €351.13 for self-contained units with block electricity
  • €329.28 for independent housing units with block gas/heat
  • €147.63 for independent housing units with block electricity

Housing with both block heating and electricity will have the amounts added.

Proposed compensation for the second half of 2023

Due to fluctuations in energy costs, figures for compensation have been divided into two sections.

The following are the government figures if energy prices decrease during the latter half of the year.

  • €276.76 for self-contained housing units with block gas/heat
  • €183.92 for self-contained units with block electricity
  • €116.18 for independent housing units with block gas/heat
  • €77.33 for independent housing units with block electricity

However, if the energy prices continue at their present rate, compensation is likely to amount to similar figures as those in the first half of 2023.

What do you think of the government’s new energy compensation? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Man with knife threatens and robs Amsterdam International Community School students

Mihály Droppa
-
0
Man with knife threatens and robs Amsterdam International Community School students

Yesterday afternoon several students of the Amsterdam International Community School ran back to the school building after a man wielding a knife tried to rob them. 

On Wednesday around 1:30 PM the three underage students reported to the school’s staff that a young man tried to rob them close to the school. 

Later, another student fell victim to the perpetrator, reporting that he had been robbed of personal property by the man, Het Parool reports. 

On the run

The Amsterdam-Zuidoost police were involved immediately, however, they were unable to find the suspect. 

READ MORE: Goodbye chaos! Schiphol is officially ditching passenger restrictions

While they combed out the neighbourhood, a spokesperson told Het Parool that the students were not injured during the robbery, but were greatly shocked.

Suspect is a young man

According to the attacked students, the man was only between 16 and 20 years old, and was wearing a thick dark quilted coat.

The students of the Amsterdam International Community School said that after the incident, he fled toward Dolingadreef. 

Stay up to date with all the news in the Netherlands by following DutchReview on Facebook.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article stated that this event occurred at International School Amsterdam. However, the event occurred at Amsterdam International Community School.

Amsterdam Centraal is opening an underwater bike garage (finally!)

Eva Gabriella
-
0
Amsterdam Centraal is opening an underwater bike garage (finally!)

We have some wheelie good news for you! Prorail and the municipality of Amsterdam are about to open a bike shed for a casual 8,800 more bikes to rest their wheels at Amsterdam Centraal. 

Het Parool reports that the innovative underwater bike shed will open soon — and any Amsterdammers will agree that this news can be greeted with a hoera!

The new space should help to fix the absolute chaos that is the station’s outdoor bike parking.

Get your wheels churning

Ok, how soon are we talking? On January 26, Amsterdam Centraal’s underwater bike shed will officially open its doors to bikes of all shapes, states, and sizes.

In a country where there are more bikes than there are people, more efforts need to be made to accommodate them, and Prorail and Amsterdam’s municipality have done just that. 🚲

How does it work? 

For 24 hours, cyclists can park their bikes for free, but for each day after that, your spot will cost a mere €1.35 per day.

The bike shed lies under the tracks and directly connects to the passenger tunnel to ensure a smooth and practical journey.

READ MORE | Do’s and don’ts of riding a bicycle in the Netherlands

Its design will be sleek and modern, says Prorail, with enough space to prevent the eyesore of looking at a flood of rusty bicycles.

What’s more? You won’t have to spend forever looking for a bike spot as red and green lights will indicate where a spot’s free. Heel handig!

Are you a regular commuter at Amsterdam Centraal? Tell us in the comments below!

Goodbye chaos! Schiphol is officially ditching passenger restrictions

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
-
0
Goodbye chaos! Schiphol is officially ditching passenger restrictions

Pack your bags! Schiphol’s interim CEO, Ruud Sondag, has announced the end of the airport’s passenger restrictions. 

Currently, the airport is fighting long waiting queues by allowing only 50,000 passengers to travel through the airport each day — a limit that will be lifted by the end of March, as the NOS writes. ✈️

The end of the staff shortage

In 2022, Schiphol airport struggled with flight cancellations, huge delays, and general mismanagement. This was largely the result of a shortage of security staff following the coronavirus pandemic.

After Schiphol CEO Dick Benschop resigned last September, Ruud Sondag has taken the reins, and expects the airport to be functioning at its full potential come March 26th. 💪

With higher pay and better hours, Schiphol has started to attract staff to fill the empty spots of a whopping 850 security guards. 

“Since November, the shortage has halved,” a Schiphol spokesperson tells the NOS, and “another 285 security guards are in the process of getting their education.” 👮‍♀️

New year, new Schiphol

The new staff, combined with technological improvements, will allow Schiphol to lift its current restrictions. 🚫

READ MORE | Chaos at Schiphol: why the biggest Dutch airport is struggling so much 

“Starting March 26, we will build up from 50,000 to 71,000 departing travellers a day,” Sondag says, “in a more comfortable travel environment than the past year.”

But this goal cannot be achieved without following some guidelines.

Travellers must do their part

To make security checks faster, Schiphol expects commitment, not only from its own staff, but also from passengers.

From now on, they will ask passengers travelling together to share a hand luggage tray at security control (side-eyes our overdramatic hand luggage).

They will also hire additional staff to help passengers with their luggage, and use social media to show people how to best to pack their bags. #influencer. 🛄

Will you be booking a trip from Schiphol this summer? Tell us in the comments!

Intern posts TikToks with children at Amsterdam daycare and the parents aren’t happy

Eva Gabriella
-
0
Intern posts TikToks with children at Amsterdam daycare and the parents aren’t happy

An intern at Kindergarden childcare in Amsterdam has been fired for posting questionable TikToks with the children at the daycare.

Director of the childcare, Nicole Krabbenborg, stresses that they were not nude images or sexual offences but that they were “unacceptable and inappropriate,” reports RTL Nieuws.

What were the videos?

Imagine scrolling through TikTok one day and seeing your child pointing the middle finger at his fellow playmate. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam kids forced to watch “The Exorcist” and other horror films by childcare workers

It’s no surprise the parents were upset after they witnessed a combination of other alarming videos.

In one video, a child falls over after the intern throws a ball at them. And in another, the intern shows the children a photo of two men kissing and asks them what’s happening to elicit their responses.

Four eyes

Parents were shocked by how this could happen since, in 2013, it became mandatory for children to be watched “with four eyes.”

READ MORE | Dutch child reports domestic violence to police because he didn’t like his food

There was another supervisor present, but they were unaware of the videos and police are now investigating criminal behaviour. But for now, “the intern is not a suspect.”

Consequences

All of the videos have since been removed and the kindergarten is taking the matter seriously. 

“This is behaviour that we will not tolerate in any form,” says Krabbenborg, “it is absolutely unacceptable.”

The fired intern may be unable to complete her education but that doesn’t change the fact that the videos were taken over by other users. The crisis team, police, and supervisor have been involved to deal with the situation as best they can.

What do you think of this intern’s actions? Tell us in the comments below!

1...353354355...760Page 354 of 760