THE HAGUE – The Dutch government wants to maintain the ability to revoke the citizenship of adults who join terrorist organizations abroad.
The Kingdom Council of Ministers has therefore approved a request for advice from the Council of State of the Netherlands on a legislative proposal that would make the measure permanent.
The authority already exists under current law but is set to expire on March 1, 2027. The new proposal aims to ensure that the government retains the option to revoke Dutch nationality in such cases.
According to David van Weel, individuals who join terrorist organizations abroad pose a threat to society.
“This law ensures that it remains possible to withdraw Dutch citizenship when necessary to protect national security, preventing individuals from returning to the Netherlands,” Van Weel said.
The government argues that Dutch nationals who join terrorist groups abroad often become involved in violent activities and gain experience with weapons and explosives, which could pose risks if they return.
When citizenship is revoked, the individual also loses the right to return to the Netherlands and is declared an undesirable foreign national. This makes legal return to the Netherlands or other parts of the Kingdom impossible and complicates attempts to reenter illegally.
Under the proposed legislation, a criminal conviction would not be required before the government could revoke citizenship.
The Council of State will first review the proposal and issue its advice. The government can then decide whether to submit the bill to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands for parliamentary debate.