The Dutch coalition government are allowing their citizens residing in the UK to take up dual citizenship.
The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, the Christian Democrats, D66 party and the Christian Union managed to strike an agreement, releasing a blueprint with plans for tax cuts, Brexit negotiations, state-sanctioned cannabis plantations and plans for the Dutch fishing plans for the next four years.
“The cabinet will prepare proposals for the modernisation of nationality law. It concerns an extension of the possibility of possession of multiple nationalities for prospective first-generation emigrants and immigrants,” the document says.
The new promises for dual nationality is a big step for the Dutch government, who have previously imposed limits on dual nationality and stripped Dutch nationals of their passport when gaining British citizenship.
“It is a major step forward, but it doesn’t apply immediately. We will have to legislate,” said Sophie in ‘t Veld, a Dutch MEP.
“But when we do, people who emigrate will have the right to dual nationality, although their children will have to choose their single nationality at some point.
“The document also pledges to maintain EU solidarity in the talks, which may disappoint some in Britain but that is the way it is.”
This news comes as a positive step for those 100,000 Dutch nationals living in Britain with an uncertain future.
Previously, the Prime Minister was opposed to the idea of dual citizenship, saying: “This is because having a nationality is always associated with an actual link to a certain country. If at some point there is a question of a connection to the Netherlands or if the link to another country has become stronger than that with the Netherlands, Dutch nationality will end.”
The blueprint also included plans to close the country’s coal-fired power stations by 2030 in order to meet the country’s obligations under the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
“All parties came with some last-minute wishes. But the government pact is now definitely ready,” said the Prime Minister.
The Dutch coalition has 76 MPs in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, with a one-seat majority.