THE HAGUE – Since the introduction of a temporary surname change policy on July 1 last year, 127 descendants of enslaved people have submitted requests to change their last names. Of these, 88 have been approved, and 23 name changes have already been officially processed, according to NSC Minister Judith Uitermark of Internal Affairs in a letter to the Dutch Parliament.
Restoring Identity by Removing Slave-Era Surnames
The policy allows descendants of enslaved people to change their last names free of charge if they are historically linked to slavery. During slavery, enslaved individuals were often assigned surnames referencing plantations or slave owners. This measure gives descendants the opportunity to distance themselves from that past and reclaim a name of their choosing.
Uitermark stated that the initiative has been successfully implemented in the European Netherlands, but greater efforts are needed to inform the target group. The program will also be extended to the Caribbean Netherlands—Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba—by the end of 2025.
Lowering Barriers for Name Changes
Previously, requesting a surname change was possible, but it cost over €800 and required a psychological report proving that the assigned name caused mental distress. The new policy eliminates these financial and bureaucratic barriers, making it easier for descendants to reclaim names that reflect their heritage and identity.