Turkish and Moroccan parents whose children are still living in their country of origin are to receive less child benefits. The government measure meets demands from parliament. The amount will in future be based on the cost of living in these two countries.
 
Most child benefits sent abroad from the Netherlands go to Turkey and Morocco. However, care and educational costs in these countries are lower compared to the Netherlands. Earlier, Christian Democratic and conservative MPs called for a total abolition of benefits for children living outside the European Union because of alleged widespread fraud.

CDA (Christian Democratic) MP Eddy van Hijum said:

"There has been widespread abuse. You have to conduct extensive checks in the country of origin. We felt child benefits for children living in countries outside the EU should be scrapped altogether, but there is no parliamentary majority for that. In any case, we are positive about the change."
 
Double standards
Green Left is one of just a few parties who are opposed to the reduction of child benefits. The party says there have been “only” a hundred cases of fraud. Green Left MP Ineke van Gent says it’s noteworthy that the measure only includes Turkey and Morocco, and accuses the cabinet of using double standards. 
 
"In the case of Turkey and Morocco, we are talking about some 9,000 children, but nobody talks about the 9,000 children of Dutch parents living in Belgium. This is a case of pandering to public opinion. Apparently there is a need to take action against Turkey and Morocco which appears to be rooted in prejudice. It is a tendency in our society."
 
Cabinet denial
The cabinet denies that the measure only applies to children in Morocco and Turkey. Youth and Family Minister André Rouvoet says he will also study the situation in other countries outside the European Union. The minister argues it is merely a coincidence that Turkey and Morocco have been singled out:
 
"Most of the debate focuses on Turkey and Morocco because that’s where most of the children who receive benefits from the Netherlands live. However, the measure will eventually apply to all countries outside the EU. In these countries, the costs of living are often lower than in the Netherlands. So benefits for children living in these countries will be adjusted to local standards."
 
There will be no changes to the benefits for children living in EU member states because of European legislation. The Netherlands is to sign new child benefit treaties with countries outside the European Union.

Photo: archangeldeb at Flickr