The Netherlands in the world

Defence and international security

International relations are changing rapidly. On Europe’s external border, Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine. Within the borders of Europe, we are faced with hybrid threats on a daily basis. Countries such as Russia, China and Iran are working ever more closely together in order to put pressure on the foundations of our security. Political developments elsewhere in the world are also a source of increasing uncertainty. In order to respond to these threats, the Netherlands must pursue a realistic foreign policy in which Dutch and European interests are the main priority.

NATO is the cornerstone of our collective security. The United States is the global power with which we share the most interests. At the same time our future and our prosperity are inextricably linked to a strong Europe. The Netherlands must be the driving force behind a strong, geopolitical European Union that acts decisively. Our policies in all areas must reflect a geopolitical awareness. Reducing our one-sided dependencies and building a European pillar within NATO will enable us to credibly call the US and other major powers to account when their actions impact on our fundamental values and interests. To do this we must invest in our own security, better protect our innovation, encourage scaling up within Europe, and forge new strategic partnerships outside Europe and the US. We will enter into these partnerships on the basis of equality and enlightened self-interest.

Being realistic does not mean letting go of our ideals. We will continue to stand up for our free values, and the Netherlands will approach the world with self-confidence. Making fundamental choices now will enable us to protect our free way of life. We choose a resilient and outward-looking Netherlands that takes charge of its own future.

We will strengthen our Defence organisation and support Ukraine

The Netherlands and Europe must become resilient. We consider it unacceptable for us to remain dependent on others for our protection. We are opting to build armed forces that can both provide a deterrent and conduct sustained operations. This requires not only investment, but also – and even especially – a change in mentality: from peace dividend to combat power. Here is what we aim to do:

We will scale up defence spending in order to meet the NATO target of 3.5% of GDP. In order to guarantee long-term continuity, we will enshrine the 3.5% commitment in law. That will provide the armed forces with the long-term certainty they deserve.
In order to be prepared for the wars of tomorrow we must give our own defence industry space to grow. The guiding principle is that the industry must scale up in order to strengthen our own armed forces, enhance the economy’s earning capacity (including in the high-tech sector) and provide added value in Europe. By having government, the business sector and knowledge institutions work together, such as in the Defport platform, we can ramp up the production capacity of the Dutch defence industry considerably. We will also work to simplify contract award procedures and participation, and provide prefinancing and long-term security, so that Dutch and European defence startups have the opportunity to scale up too.
We will work to build scalable armed forces, consisting of at least 122,000 personnel. We will scale up the voluntary service year significantly, and as a first step we will introduce a mandatory survey among young people. If this does not yield sufficient results we will consider other steps, such as reintroducing selective compulsory military service.
The Defence organisation needs space to accommodate its personnel and conduct exercises. For this purpose we will introduce the Defence Readiness Act as soon as possible. Within the European Union we will also work to establish the necessary exemptions for defence, a process which has already been set in motion by means of the current Omnibus package.
Besides protecting our own and allied territory, we will strengthen the protection of our critical infrastructure in the North Sea and the defence of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The war in Ukraine concerns the security of Europe as a whole. We will therefore continue to provide our own unwavering military and financial support in the years to come, and to call for the use of frozen Russian assets. Ukraine is on an irreversible path to EU and NATO membership. The speed of its accession will be determined by its own efforts and the fulfilment of the applicable criteria. The Netherlands will offer Ukraine assistance where possible in this respect.
We will deepen European defence cooperation, focusing on joint procurement – in user groups – of strategic capabilities that are too expensive for individual countries. The Netherlands is at the forefront of efforts to establish a European pillar within NATO. We will also take a constructive approach to strengthening a European nuclear deterrent. We will accede to the Aachen Treaty.
The Netherlands will work to reduce dependencies on countries outside the NATO alliance for the supply of essential weapon systems. The main priority in our materiel plans will be to fully meet the capability targets set within NATO in a timely fashion. We aim to carry out 40% of our defence procurement and production jointly with European partners. We also aim to make 50% of our purchases from Dutch and European enterprises (including licensed production and maintenance). We will continue to call for the opening up of closed national defence markets in Europe.
The government will work towards the establishment of a defence innovation authority following the example of DARPA in the US. This authority will also cofinance joint research projects with knowledge institutions that have added military value for the Defence organisation. In order to provide this authority with the long-term certainty that is necessary for the development of new technologies and industrial scale up, we will allocate it a portion of the defence budget rising to 10% during this term of government.

Europe and the world

Europe

We can only guarantee our peace and security if we work together with allies in Europe. The European Union brings prosperity and security, and ensures that our voice is heard in the world. Geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on European values and interests. It is a matter of great urgency for Europe to become independent and rapidly achieve better cooperation in the areas of defence, energy, technology, finance and industry. If Europe is to mature as a power bloc, a new mentality is needed. The Netherlands wants to play a leading, constructive role in the shift towards a stronger and safer Europe. Here is what we aim to do:

We will take a realistic stance on European Union enlargement; this includes looking at the matter from a geopolitical perspective. Neighbouring countries that share our values should have the prospect of accession. To be allowed to join the EU, countries must continue to meet the Copenhagen criteria. We will forge ties between strategically positioned candidate countries, such as countries in the Western Balkans, and the Netherlands and Europe by means of enhanced cooperation. And we will work towards a multi-speed European Union.
We will take firm action against countries that actively undermine the EU, such as Hungary and Slovakia, by doing our utmost to ensure simplification of the EU’s article 7 procedures, so that member states’ voting rights can more easily be suspended. Hungary will lose its entitlement to EU funds. Within the EU we will work to abolish the rule that decisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy must be taken by unanimity.
We will advocate a strong Multiannual Financial Framework that contributes to the EU’s strategic goals. We will reprioritise funds in favour of investments in security, defence and innovation.
The Netherlands will be a driving force in the rapid implementation of the Draghi and Letta reports, focusing on reforming and strengthening our economy.
We will take a constructive stance on European defence investment. Through the European Defence Fund, EU funds can be used for joint investment in the European defence industry. Joint defence investments can be further developed by means of the EU’s SAFE defence loan instrument, which enables major investment in national defence industries under favourable financial conditions. Member states guarantee the loans in proportion to the size of their economies. This instrument can also be made available to allies such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada.
We will look into the possibility of establishing an intergovernmental European Defence Mechanism (EDM) for common procurement of defence materiel and harmonisation of product standards. This too will be done in close collaboration with non-EU NATO partners, such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada.
In order to render sanctions against Russia and other malicious state actors more effective, we will work towards the establishment of a European sanctions body.
We will step up cooperation at European level with regard to the intelligence and security services. We want to have a European equivalent of the Five Eyes alliance, so that we can work together on intelligence as part of a leading group of European countries.

The world

Our earning capacity and our security and democracy demand realism. We live in a multipolar world where international law does not automatically prevail. This means we must adopt the stance of a country that defends international law but also learns to speak the language of power. We cherish our position as a trading nation, but we will draw a firm line if our technology or security is in jeopardy. Here is what we aim to do:

We will protect our freedoms against countries such as Russia, China and Iran. Vis-à-vis Russia, we will work to ensure maximum punishment for its aggression by enhancing sanctions enforcement and taking firm action against the shadow fleet. We will make use of any further opportunities in our relationship with China. At the same time we will be uncompromising in taking action against theft of our intellectual property and undesirable interference with our critical infrastructure. We will also hold China to account for human rights violations, subversive activities in Europe and its support for Russia.
We will continue to stand firm for our Western free values and defend human rights. Around the world we will actively promote the rights of women and minorities, paying specific attention to children and the LGBTI+ community, and to the protection of freedom of religion or belief and media freedom. Countries which actively implement reforms in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, such as Armenia and Moldova, will receive our active support.
It is in the Netherlands’ interest to guarantee regional stability, gain more access to critical raw materials and counter the growing influence of autocratic regimes. In this context it may be necessary to enter into dialogue with countries that do not share our values.
We will continue working to foster our transatlantic bond. At the same time we will use diplomatic channels to call the US to account if its actions undermine our values and interests, while remaining mindful of our relationship and our critical security interests. We will also reduce our one-sided dependencies, for instance in the areas of defence, software and critical raw materials.
The Netherlands has a responsibility to actively promote international law. One of the ways we do this is by hosting international organisations. The Netherlands’ foreign policy complies with judgments of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. We work to combat impunity in conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.
The Netherlands advocates a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, i.e. an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. The terrorist organisation Hamas must not play any role whatsoever in the governance of the Palestinian Territories. Illegal settlements (and their expansion), acts of violence committed by Israel against civilians in Gaza, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid must all be brought to an end. Together with the international coalition, we will contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza. The effectiveness of the assistance provided is key. Within the budget for aid to the Palestinians, we will restore cooperation with UNRWA and also focus on collaboration with other aid organisations that are active in the region. National measures and European sanctions against the Netanyahu government, its members and its associates will remain in force until meaningful steps are taken towards peace and compliance with international law. The subversive influence of Iran and organisations (including terrorist groups) affiliated with the Iranian regime, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must be countered by means of maximum sanctions.
Together with the other affected countries, the Netherlands will keep doing all it can to establish the truth and achieve justice and accountability with regard to the downing of flight MH17. This includes working to ensure that the perpetrators and other responsible parties do not escape punishment and evade responsibility.
We will work towards a robust network of missions abroad, so as to ensure that the Netherlands is fully and strongly represented in important growth markets, in countries that are of key geopolitical importance, and in order to support the protection of human rights and democracy. We will use our influence to build stable partnerships, open up markets to Dutch businesses and strengthen our strategic autonomy.
Free trade bolsters our economy and helps reduce our dependence on a single region. We will therefore urge the European Commission to negotiate new trade agreements and open up markets, for instance with strategic partners such as India, Australia and Indonesia. In this regard we will work in accordance with the OECD Guidelines, including on combating child labour and climate change.
We will tighten investment screening and block the transfer of sensitive technology (such as photonics and quantum technology) if it serves our strategic interests to do so. In order to enforce a level playing field, we will urge the Commission to take measures against countries that do not play by the book. We will also continue to strengthen our ties with like-minded countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and Norway.
We will invest in development cooperation, thus taking a step towards reaching the international OECD target. We will improve people’s prospects by investing in young people, education and women’s rights, and will contribute to the global health strategy and food security. When it comes to reception in the region for refugees and managing international migration flows, we will also continue to contribute – both directly and through migration partnerships. In addition we will contribute to humanitarian aid to alleviate the great needs in this world and to provide future prospects at local level. By doing so we will help ensure more security and stability worldwide, reduce irregular migration and counter the influence of China and Russia in the Global South.
Development cooperation will also be used as an instrument to protect our interests and strengthen our international position. In this context we will make use of the synergies created by the ‘Dutch Diamond’ approach. At European level, development cooperation funds should be used more efficiently in order to achieve economies of scale.
We will pursue a modern aid and trade agenda based on the areas in which the Netherlands excels and focused on mutual interests. We will build equal partnerships through a broad Africa strategy.

Asylum, migration and integration

For too long, migration has been the subject of great political conflict, while at the same time too few choices have been made to address the issue. Now, in order to get the situation back under control, we are going to make those choices. We will do so not only by stepping up controls and reducing the influx of asylum seekers, but also by providing decent reception facilities and fostering swifter participation in society. We will focus on labour migration that genuinely meets the country’s needs, and we will combat exploitation. Our plans are as follows:

A clear migration model in Europe

At present, anyone who comes to the Netherlands has the right to apply for asylum. This plays into the hands of people smugglers, who earn vast sums off the suffering endured by refugees. At the same time, the most vulnerable people are often unable to find protection: they lack the resources and contacts needed to make the perilous journey to Europe. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a major first step towards gaining more control over who is able to come to the Netherlands. To obtain complete control in this regard, we will work at international level to develop a modern, strict and humane migration model. Here is what we aim to do:

The Netherlands – together with other European countries – will take the lead in seeking support for measures aimed at modernising international refugee law. To this end we will organise an asylum summit and launch various diplomatic initiatives. The ultimate goal is to make it possible for asylum applications to be submitted and dealt with outside the European Union and to ensure that asylum procedures no longer need to be conducted in the Netherlands. Recognised refugees can then be resettled throughout Europe, where they can build new lives. In this way we can destroy the ruthless business model employed by people smugglers in the Mediterranean region.
We will support the new EU Return Regulation. Its provisions include mutual recognition of national return decisions and greater scope for detention prior to expulsion. In this connection the Netherlands also supports broadening the scope of the ‘ties criterion’, which will make it easier at EU level to make agreements on return with countries outside Europe. When making agreements on return hubs and transit hubs, the Netherlands will ensure that migrants are never sent back to a country where they are at risk of persecution. Wherever possible we will make such agreements in collaboration with the EU or like-minded countries. In the wake of the recent elections in Uganda, the Netherlands’ cooperation in this area with that country will be put on hold.
In accordance with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the external border procedure will provide for secure centres for asylum seekers whose applications have little prospect of succeeding. The Netherlands will contribute to such centres in order to ensure that they are safe and humane. Until such time as the reception system in the Netherlands is functioning properly the Netherlands will contribute financially to the solidarity mechanism under the Pact.

Measures at national level

When it comes to reducing the influx of asylum seekers and preventing misuse of our migration law, national and EU measures must go hand in hand. Here is what we aim to do:

If the Dutch senate passes the Asylum (Temporary Measures) Act and/or the Asylum (Two-Status System) Act, we will implement this legislation in full.
If the asylum system struggles to cope because the number of people applying for asylum increases dramatically in a short period and it was not possible to anticipate that increase, we will take additional measures to stem the flow. These may include a temporary emergency brake on admission of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection for the purpose of family reunification. A hardship clause will be applied in cases of exceptional distress.
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) needs to be able to decide on applications more quickly, and so we will simplify the asylum procedure. For example, we will abolish the General/Extended Asylum procedure (AA/VA-procedure), compulsory procedural steps such as the preliminary interview (aanmeldgehoor), the compulsory medical advisory opinion, and written notification of the intent to deny an application (voornemenprocedure). This will give the IND more flexibility in reaching a decision with due care. Failure to cooperate with procedures will be a ground for rejecting the application, and repeated applications for asylum will be assessed much more strictly. This will ensure that procedures do not take longer than absolutely necessary. With regard to the time limits for lodging an application for review, we will align with the minimum terms laid down in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. In accordance with EU legislation, applicants with little prospect of obtaining a residence permit will be granted legal aid only after their application has been denied.
We want the refugee foundation VluchtelingenWerk, working in collaboration with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the IND, to provide walk-in advisory services at reception locations. This should reduce the workload of the COA and the IND.
Some migrants obtain the right of residence in the Netherlands by means of false acknowledgement of paternity, without providing any care whatsoever for the child concerned. To combat this, arranging acknowledgement of paternity of foreign children will, from now on, be possible only via a select number of municipalities that have the relevant knowledge and expertise. Anyone who falsely acknowledges paternity will be prosecuted.

Stricter approach to asylum seekers who break the law

Asylum seekers who cause nuisance or commit criminal offences ruin it for genuine refugees. The people of Budel and Ter Apel should be able to sleep peacefully at night. Here is what we aim to do:

Any criminal conviction received during the asylum procedure will be given added weight in the decision on the asylum application. The ‘sliding scale’ will be applied as strictly as possible.
Asylum seekers on the ‘Top X list’ will be dealt with more strictly. In this connection more account will be taken of repeat offending. Travel bans will be more readily imposed on asylum seekers who repeatedly cause trouble when using public transport or who try to avoid paying their fares.
We will greatly expand the number of enhanced supervision locations (VTLs) and restricted processing locations (PBLs). Where possible, the most serious troublemakers will be placed in immigration detention and expelled.
Municipalities that have an asylum application centre will be given scope to permanently increase police deployment levels.
Ensuring asylum seekers are able to be active is an effective way of preventing nuisance. Besides work and language training, where necessary daytime activities will be arranged, and trauma therapy and addiction care improved.

Getting the asylum system in order

Almost every day at present, the asylum system is operating at the limits of what it can handle. We will therefore base the approach for the entire system (IND, COA, Nidos (refugee youth protection) and the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V)) on a multiannual financial plan underpinned by realistic forecasts. Here is what we aim to do:

In accordance with the agreements the government made with the COA in 2023, we will enable the COA to provide sufficient long-term and flexible reception places, with stable financing based on the most recent Multiannual Production Forecast. Locations used for emergency reception facilities (such as cruise ships and hotels) will be closed in the coming period and replaced by regular reception facilities. This will also ensure that children are not continually having to move. When the number of new migrants falls, municipalities will be able to use the flexible locations to temporarily house groups requiring special attention, as referred to in the Housing Allocation Act. At the request of the municipalities and implementing agencies, the Dispersal Act will remain in place for the time being, so as to ensure a fair distribution of asylum seekers among municipalities. Once the COA has sufficient long-term and flexible reception places available, the use of the Dispersal Act will no longer be necessary.
Vulnerable groups staying in reception facilities – such as LGBTI+ persons, children and religious converts – will receive greater protection. Anyone who makes such facilities unsafe for these groups will more rapidly be placed under enhanced supervision and have their residence permit application rejected. Where necessary, vulnerable unaccompanied minor refugees will be supervised until the age of 21 rather than 18, to prevent young asylum seekers from falling into problematic or criminal behaviour.
In certain municipalities, giving beneficiaries of international protection priority for social housing is becoming increasingly untenable, in view of the long waiting times faced by Dutch nationals. For as long as there is no good alternative way to house beneficiaries of international protection, we will leave policy in this area to the municipalities themselves. In the meantime, we will tackle the problem in three ways: 1) reducing numbers of incoming migrants, 2) increasing housing construction and 3) arranging alternative housing options between COA locations and regular housing. We will conclude a binding agreement with municipalities on the rapid development of flexible locations for temporary homes that beneficiaries of international protection, Ukrainians and Dutch nationals who need temporary accommodation can use as an alternative to social housing. As soon as sufficient alternative housing is available, it will no longer be possible under the law to give priority for social housing to beneficiaries of international protection.

Decent rules for labour migration and measures to tackle abuses

Labour migration can be valuable to our economy but cannot be allowed to go hand in hand with exploitation and abuses, such as those that currently occur in the Netherlands. Here is what we aim to do:

By implementing the recommendations made by the Roemer Committee and in the Social and Economic Council’s advisory opinion ‘Value-based Labour Migration’, we can deter unscrupulous labour providers, protect the position of employees and combat abuses such as underpayment and poor housing.
Since registering labour migrants individually is complex in practice, we will explicitly involve employers in this process, to ensure that supervision and enforcement are in order from day one.
We will assign employers more responsibility for providing sufficient housing, and we will put an end to relationships of dependence, where a labour migrant ends up on the street if their job comes to an end.
In sectors where abuses against temporary, low-paid labour migrants persist, we will impose bans on temporary agency employment.
We will use spatial planning instruments and municipal business impact reports to ensure that housing, services and living standards are in proper order before more workers are recruited. This must also be laid down in a provincial spatial planning ordinance.
We will launch a three-year pilot for an active, targeted programme that – subject to strict conditions – will attract well-qualified workers who can add value in the Netherlands in pre-determined industry sectors. Those conditions will include salary and housing requirements and a maximum employment term of three years. Those eligible to apply for this pilot will in any event include nationals of EU candidate countries.

Integration: protecting freedom, ensuring swifter participation

Freedom and community spirit are the foundations on which the Netherlands was built. Such freedom means being able to be yourself, to be safe and secure, and to freely profess your religion or belief. Such freedom cannot be taken for granted. Sometimes people face racism and discrimination, which create barriers to their participation in society. In some communities, women are oppressed, or religiously inspired violence is committed. Regimes use their long reach to exert influence over their diasporas in the Netherlands, sometimes even resorting to indoctrination and intimidation.

Most people want to play an active part in their community, and many come to the Netherlands precisely because of our free and open society. That is why we expect everyone to embrace the values of our democratic society, including freedom of religion, equality between men and women, and acceptance of LGBTI+ persons. We respect our differences and each other’s backgrounds. Anyone who wishes to play an active role in the Netherlands will get every opportunity to do so. But anyone who ruins it for others can expect a firm response. Here is what we aim to do:

Protecting and strengthening freedom

From international students to the grandchildren of those who came to the Netherlands long ago, many people have to deal with unwanted foreign interference that undermines our open society. Unfortunately there are also individuals and communities that decide for themselves to reject our way of life. Here is what we aim to do:

We will create a reporting centre for foreign interference, which will be part of the Ministry of Justice and Security. Here diaspora communities and international students will be able to report cases, anonymously if necessary, of transnational repression. These reports will be used to develop an effective approach, and the individuals who lodge reports will be referred to law enforcement agencies and/or other bodies that can offer them support.
Some religious institutions are misused by repressive countries in order to undermine our freedoms. We therefore want to make sure that such institutions are transparent about the funding they receive. We will prevent foreign funding of mosques and other religious institutions wherever possible.
For years now there have been major concerns about repressive regimes using diaspora policy to pursue an agenda that undermines our democracy and the rule of law, and obstructs integration. When they use evening and weekend classes for this purpose, it is important to be able to intervene. We will therefore develop legislation that facilitates targeted supervision of such places, under certain conditions.
We will support the initiative of the European Parliament to place imams who incite hatred on a blacklist and impose entry bans on them. In preparation for such a measure we will draw up a national list of such individuals.
We will continue the interfaith dialogue coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. We will embrace joint initiatives from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other communities, and will strengthen them where necessary. Organisations that obstruct integration are not welcome in this dialogue.
We will take action against honour-based violence, genital mutilation and forced marriage, and will introduce scope for a court-ordered exit ban in cases where someone is at risk of being subjected to genital mutilation abroad. An aggravating circumstance will be introduced for criminal offences such as the perpetration or joint perpetration of honour-based violence.
The partial ban on face coverings will be maintained, and we will enforce it more actively by issuing fines more frequently.

Participation will be the norm

We want everyone, including newcomers, to actively participate in and contribute to society. This requires making a quick start on learning the language, getting a job or going to school. Here is what we aim to do:

Asylum seekers with a good prospect of obtaining a residence permit will be granted the right to work once they have been in the asylum procedure for three months. We will cut the administrative burden by introducing an alternative to the employment permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning). From the start, these asylum seekers will receive help and support in finding work, so they can both integrate more quickly and contribute to the cost of their reception facilities. Asylum seekers with little prospect of obtaining a residence permit will not have the right to work.
Language proficiency is crucial. For asylum seekers with a good prospect of obtaining a residence permit, we will introduce language training at the very start of the asylum procedure.
A ‘Participation Resource Centre’ (Meedoenbalie) will be set up at all large asylum reception locations. There, people in the asylum procedure will be assisted in arranging language training, volunteer activities or paid work.
Up until 2027, Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands will continue to fall under the Temporary Protection Directive. From 2027 they will be granted temporary residence status, in accordance with existing policy. This will give them certainty and enable them to contribute.
By modernising Dutch legislation on nationality we will ensure that Dutch nationals abroad do not lose their nationality sooner than is the case for nationals of Germany, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. Newcomers who wish to obtain Dutch nationality through naturalisation will in principle be required to give up their other nationality.
In various municipalities we will expand the pilots aimed at helping refugees find entry-level jobs. Beneficiaries of international protection will be given entry-level jobs immediately, as a springboard to regular employment, which they will combine with language training. We will explore the scope for incentivising the swift acceptance of entry-level jobs by means of benefits. We will ensure that the Participation Act and the Civic Integration Act are better aligned to ensure that people are incentivised to work during the integration process too.
All women are entitled to be economically independent. Therefore, female as well as male members of refugee families will be asked to apply for jobs if the family is receiving benefits. We will explore reducing such benefits in the event of refusal to do so.
Beneficiaries of international protection who have a degree or professional training are often unable to convert their qualifications. We will make more use of certificates of competence to ensure that they can take on a job at their own level.
Under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum the permanent residence permit will be abolished. This means that it will no longer be possible for someone to obtain Dutch nationality through naturalisation on the basis of such a permit. We will therefore make naturalisation possible on the basis of a temporary residence permit, although the bar will be set higher than was previously the case. Anyone who has been granted two temporary residence permits and meets the B1 language requirement will be able to obtain Dutch nationality through naturalisation after six years. A hardship clause will be applied in cases where meeting the language requirement is impossible.