Netherlands: no integration contract in case of family reunification

(B2) "Migrants who want to come to the Netherlands to join their partner or family there are not required to first pass an integration test in their country". This is what the Court of Amsterdam decided on Tuesday in a procedure brought against the Dutch State by a Moroccan, comments the Dutch press of the day (the Volkskrant and Trouw in particular). Since 2005, foreigners wishing to settle in the Netherlands and applying for a temporary residence permit must, in fact, pass an examination in their country of origin on knowledge of the Dutch language and culture.

The court ruled that the Dutch authorities do not have the right to refuse an application for a temporary residence permit for family reunification or formation of a family in the event of failure in the integration test. This provision does not appear in the implementing texts of the law on foreigners. Passing this exam remains, on the other hand, a necessary condition for foreigners who want to come to the Netherlands for reasons other than family reunification or forming a family.

(NGV)