New immigrants to the Netherlands from outside the European Economic Area must now meet the costs of attending mandatory integration courses.
Until now the cost has been wholly or partly met by local councils. However, in future, these will be met by the immigrants themselves. The Home Affairs Ministry will, however,provide loans to immigrants in order for them to undertake the courses. Loans of up to 10,000 will be available for asylum seekers and up to 5,000 euros for those moving to the Netherlands to join a partner or family member. Immigrants who fail to pass the written tests within three years will automatically lose their residency permit.