News item | 06-03-2026 | 4:00 PM
It must remain possible to revoke the Dutch citizenship of individuals over the age of 18 who have joined a terrorist organization abroad and pose a threat to national security. The Kingdom Council of Ministers has agreed to request advice from the Council of State on this bill. Revoking Dutch citizenship on the grounds mentioned is an existing authority, but this will expire on March 1, 2027. With this bill, the government wants to make this power permanent.
Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security: “Persons who join terrorist organizations outside the Netherlands are a danger to our society. This law ensures that it remains possible to revoke Dutch citizenship, if this is necessary to protect national security, so that they cannot return to the Netherlands. In this way, we proactively monitor our borders and keep our Kingdom safe.”
Danger to the Kingdom
Dutch people who join a terrorist organization abroad can pose a threat to national security. They immerse themselves in violence and often work with weapons and explosives. The Netherlands benefits from preventing the return of these people. This law therefore ensures that it remains possible to revoke Dutch citizenship when they are abroad, in order to prevent return to the Kingdom. This does not require a prior criminal conviction.
The law
By revoking this person’s Dutch citizenship, the Dutch government deprives that person of the right to return to the Netherlands. At the same time as the withdrawal, this person will be declared an undesirable alien. The result of the withdrawal and declaration of undesirability is that legal return to the Netherlands or other parts of the Kingdom is impossible and illegal return is made more difficult. This is separate from any criminal prosecution of these persons.
The sequel
The Council of State will first issue advice. After the government has processed the advice, the bill is submitted to the House of Representatives.
