According to refugee affairs commission Vluchtelingenwerk, the upper house nullified the initiative from ruling parties, together with the support of the lower house.  The Upper House has rejected on the basis of demoralization of immigrants whose dream was to acquire Dutch citizenship in five years.  Somali asylum seekers welcomed the move.

Political parties Holland argue that asylum seekers can easily take birth and therefore needed to be extended to seven years. Dutch passport cannot be taken easily for immigrants.  For two and half years they are required to undergo such tests as Kennis Nederlandse Samenleving for culture, Nederlands Toets Gesproken for the language , Elektronisch Praktijkexamen for using modern electronic devices for purchases.

When a person has passed the three tests, he is required to do Portofolia as well, which means he has worked in the language, and communicated effectively with the police, local government, and neighbors.  The pre-condition is that he/she presents testimonials from them, showing that he communicated the language fluently with them.

Some European countries do not impose language conditions upon those who apply citizenship.  Sweden is one of them, and grants citizenship for eight years of stay.

Netherlands is small European country which outshines other countries in terms of freedom, security, and cleanliness.  Its people are known of such good qualities as courteous, and help toward immigrants.

BY DAHIR ABDULLE ALASOW

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