While international newspapers and broadcasters have picked up on the government’s plans to deport 18-year-old Mauro Manuel back to Angola, it remains unclear what options are now open to the youth and his foster family.

On Tuesday, MPs voted by 78 to 72 not to grant Mauro a residency permit, even though he has lived in the Netherlands since he was nine.
A motion calling on immigration minister Gerd Leers to allow the boy to remain in the country while he applies for a student visa was not discussed. The CDA grouping in parliament supports this option but is opposed to permanent residency.
Temporary
Opposition MPs and the boy’s family point out this would only be a temporary measure. Mauro is currently at a vocational training college studying information technology.
The Volkskrant argues in its analysis of events that the offer of a student visa it is more of a solution for the CDA than the boy himself.
The party is sharply divided on the issue but two dissident MPs fell into line with the rest at yesterday’s vote in the apparent hope the student visa motion would be approved. A majority of CDA voters say the boy should be allowed to stay and support for the party has slumped.
It is still unclear when that vote will take place – possibly next week according to media reports.
European court
Meanwhile, Mauro’s lawyer Marq Wijngaarden is reportedly preparing to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. He would also be able to request a temporary stop on the deportation order while that case is heard.
Children’s rights groups say the deportation would conflict with human and children’s rights legislation.
For a Forbes blogger’s take on the case, click here