WILLEMSTAD – The Kingdom government says its authority to revoke Dutch nationality from people who join terrorist organizations abroad has been applied 25 times since the measure was introduced in 2017.
The figures were presented as part of the proposal to make the measure permanent within the Kingdom.
According to the government, four decisions were overturned by courts. Following those rulings, five similar decisions were withdrawn by the government itself. Fifteen nationality revocations have become final, while one case is still under appeal.
The government stated that none of the individuals whose nationality was permanently revoked have legally returned to the Kingdom. It also said there are no indications that any of them have returned illegally.
However, the government acknowledged that it cannot determine whether the measure has directly prevented terrorist attacks.
Human rights concerns
The proposal has received criticism during the consultation process, including from the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights and other organizations.
Critics questioned the distinction between Dutch citizens with only Dutch nationality and those with multiple nationalities. Since people with only Dutch nationality cannot have their citizenship revoked without becoming stateless, the measure only affects dual or multiple nationals.
The government rejected the criticism, stating that international agreements prohibit making people stateless and that the current system respects those obligations.
Anyone affected by a decision to revoke nationality has the right to appeal before the administrative court. If the individual does not appeal, the minister must still submit the decision to a judge for review.
The government argues that extending the measure permanently is necessary because the security threat linked to foreign terrorist fighters continues.
The new Kingdom Act is expected to enter into force on February 28, 2027, before the current temporary authority expires.