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Dutch nationals may lose citizenship

Dutch nationals who live outside the European Union are in danger of losing their citizenship.

Dutch nationals who live outside the European Union are in danger of losing their citizenship.

Starting on April 1, Dutch citizens over the age of 18 will automatically lose their nationality if they lived 10 continuous years outside the Netherlands or outside the territory of the European Union and hold dual nationality, according to the Dutch Nationality Act of 2003.

In order to retain Dutch nationality, citizens must obtain a Dutch passport or a Declaration of Possession of Dutch nationality no later than March 31.

Those who have had principal residence in the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Maarten, Sata, St. Eustatius or the territory of the European Union will be exempted.

The 10-year expiration period begins from the date (whichever is later) of the last passport or statement of possession of Dutch nationality is issued, or the date you required foreign nationality, or your main residence is no longer in the aforementioned places for at least one year.

The citizens are encouraged to apply at the nearest Dutch Embassy or Consulate no later than March 29.

Go to www.rsonac.org for more information.