Dual nationality is a much-discussed topic in the Netherlands. The idea has been around for some time among part of the population that it is not desirable to have two nationalities, and this has now also penetrated politics. Geert Wilders of the PVV and the VVD in particular believe that someone with 2 nationalities should surrender 1 passport.
Dual nationality
Dual nationality is common in the Netherlands among people who have come to live in the Netherlands from abroad. Their children also sometimes have dual nationality. Especially when it comes to countries such as Turkey and Morocco, there are many dual nationalities. It is impossible to surrender your passport to these countries. Their children will also automatically receive this nationality, after which they can no longer get rid of it.
Geert Wilders about dual nationality
Geert Wilders of the PVV, followed by the VVD, initiated the discussion about dual nationality when two ministers with dual nationality entered the cabinet: Nebahat Albayrak (also Turkish) and Ahmed Aboutaleb (also Moroccan). He considered this undesirable because the Turkish and Moroccan governments would now have infiltrated the Dutch power center. Dual nationalities would undoubtedly mean dual loyalty. He believed that these future ministers should give up their second nationality, otherwise he would not allow them to join the Dutch government. He found little support in the rest of the room, especially because it is impossible for these ministers to give up their second nationality. Moreover, taking an oath to become a member of the cabinet would demonstrate sufficient loyalty.
A number of other arguments have been put forward in favor of dual nationality. For example, people who are allowed to keep their second nationality would feel more valued and respected, which would make it easier for them to integrate into Dutch society. An emotional argument was that people would generally like to retain the nationality of their country of birth, with which many Dutch people would probably agree. A practical argument is also that people with a passport from their country of birth would be able to visit their family more easily.
During the period that this debate was held, there was also criticism of Geert Wilders himself, because he has a Hungarian girlfriend and he did not want to say whether she had dual nationality or not. However, this criticism quickly blew over.
The future of dual nationality
The discussion about dual nationality has now subsided somewhat, but the problem is still there: many people in the Netherlands believe that dual nationality is not desirable. It will probably not be too long before this discussion flares up again.