The cabinet’s plan to attach stricter conditions to acquiring Dutch nationality would turn large groups of legal aliens into second class citizens, says the National Minorities Platform (Landelijk Overleg Minderheden, or LOM). 

Interior Minister Piet Hein Donner has submitted a proposal which would require aliens seeking to obtain Dutch nationality to earn at least twice the minimum wage. They would also need to submit proof of having completed at least two years of vocational training or of two years of work experience.

LOM says this would mean that large numbers of young immigrants who have been living in the Netherlands legally for years would be barred from obtaining Dutch nationality.

“This is a clear violation of the principle of equality. Large groups of aliens will be frustrated in their efforts to become fully fledged citizens of the Netherlands. This will lead to an even bigger gap between them and Dutch society, with all the consequences thereof.”

LOM is an umbrella organisation of minority interest groups. Its stated mission is to improve the social standing of the various ethnic minorities in the Netherlands. LOM also acts as a bridge between the government and the minority groups.

(gsh)

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