Only 103 People Granted Dutch Citizenship Through Naturalization This Year

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• 103 individuals have acquired Dutch nationality through naturalisation this year.
• This allows them to apply for a Dutch passport, participate in elections, and pursue any profession.
• The majority of new citizens in the Netherlands originated from countries like Thailand, Syria, Eritrea, Uganda, Afghanistan, and Brazil.

Only 103 people have acquired nationality this year in the Netherlands through naturalisation.

They have received the  ‘Certificate of Granting of Dutch Citizenship’ from Mayor Adriaan Hoogendoorn, in the municipality of Midden-Groningen.

It means that they are now eligible to apply for a Dutch passport, and also vote during elections and pursue any profession they want.

The majority of those who acquired naturalisation in the Netherlands came from Thailand, Syria, Eritrea, Uganda, Afghanistan and Brazil, among others.

During the ceremony, Mayor Adriaan Hoogendoorn mentioned the importance of such a step.

I always start about the 80 Years’ War. This is where our fundamental rights to freedom of religion, belief and expression arose. Very important rights that we have in the Netherlands, where reciprocity, equality and respect are of great importance. I ask the new Dutch people about this. to also make their contribution.

Hoogendoorn

He said that becoming a citizen through naturalisation or another route is more than just a symbol, stressing that it is a huge moment in people’s lives when they take this step, while congratulating them and urging them to get involved in the Dutch community.

At the same time, Mayor Maarten Divendal, welcomed 130 people who acquired naturalisation last year.

A total of 130 residents, adults and children, who received Dutch citizenship last year came from the following countries:  Brazil, Thailand, Great Britain, Iran, Syria, Eritrea, South Africa, Turkey, India, Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Peru, Greece, Afghanistan, Argentina and Sudan. There were also new Dutch arrivals from Morocco, Nepal, Russia, Belgium, Colombia, Ukraine, Sudan, the United States, Poland and Armenia.

In the meeting held in this regard, Mayor Maarten Divendal briefly addressed the naturalised people and congratulated them and wished that they would soon find their place in the municipality and become part of the community.

The Netherlands is a country that you can be proud of, that you can love very much and that has a rich history in which concepts such as tolerance, respect and entrepreneurship are deeply rooted.

Divendal

In addition, he said that over the centuries, the Netherlands has been a safe haven for people who were not tolerated in their own country.

I sincerely hope that you will feel as safe in the Netherlands as all the others who have settled here over the centuries.

Divendal

The naturalised people, as a welcome gift received the Dutch flag, among others, and children a traditional Dutch game.