DutchNews.nl - 'Westernised' Somali refugees may get right to stay in Holland

A 'foreign accent' when speaking Somali or other signs of westernisation which cannot be kept hidden may be enough for some Somali refugees to be given residency in the Netherlands, immigration minister Gerd Leers told MPs in a briefing on Wednesday.

Refugees returning to southern and central Somalia may be too westernised to live under the strict Islamic rules imposed by Al Shabaab, which dominates these areas, the minister said.

The measure is more likely to apply to youngsters who came to the Netherlands as children and have spent their formative years here than adults who have not participated in Dutch society, Leers said.

The immigration service will assess individuals on a case by case basis to see if westernisation is too strong to make a return to Somalia possible.

The Council of State in July ruled the Netherlands must stop deporting failed Somali asylum seekers because of the continuing violence - effectively reversing government policy.

The country's highest court ruled it is not possible for Somali nationals to travel from Mogadishu to southern and central parts of the country without the risk of being attacked because of the armed conflict.

Some 300 Somalis currently face deportation. Earlier this year a number of them set up a protest camp outside a refugee centre in Groningen to draw attention to their case.

Is the minister right to make an exception for what he calls westernised refugees? Have your say in the comment box below.

Readers' Comments

Doesn't mr. Leers think that this is up to the next government. In 3 weeks we have elections. Both CDA and PVV will probably lose. The present government made a complete mess. Imo they should keep a very low profile in the next weeks.

By pepe | 22 August 2012 3:49 PM

Since when does a person lose the accent of their mother tongue after they learn another language?

And who will be the expert in the Somali language that judges the "westernness" of these people?

I really hope this doesn't split up families...

By CW | 22 August 2012 4:48 PM

pure discrimination. One can argue that, this might be a positive discrimination though, however the motive is based on good (westernized) or bad immigration. This makes me sick.

By Chan Chur | 22 August 2012 10:43 PM

Send them back. Allowing them permanent residence in Netherland is not an acceptable option. We already pay enough taxes. I do not want to pay more to support foreigners. They are not our problem.

By Joost | 23 August 2012 1:42 PM

@Joost. Totally agree. we pay 52% tax for this?? Cant digest this any more. If these are accepted like this, then more people will illegally immigrate and stay over sucking all of coutries resources. and we will pay for this

By sup | 23 August 2012 4:32 PM

@Joost The EU financial crisis(Greece, Spain,etc) should not be a US problem either but American taxpayers' money is used to fund the IMF who bails out EU countries for their shortfalls & mistakes. US & Canada are not a part of the EU & if countries want to risk investing on Wall Street; it is their problem taking risks trusting corrupt bankers. Many Americans are in debt with low paying jobs, underemployed and our taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for EU problems nor keep allowing foreigners to become permanent residents who take advantage of getting free healthcare, housing, etc. that natural born citizens do not even receive. Send all illegal foreigners back to countries they came from.

By Thomas | 23 August 2012 4:45 PM

Dear Joost,
You pay most of your taxes to support bijstand of dutch people than to support foreigners. PLUS a foreigner like myself also pays taxes to support some person who isnt keen on finding a suitable job. It goes both ways my friend. Widen your perspective.

By expat | 23 August 2012 5:00 PM

@Joost, maybe some foreigners are paying more tax than you do.. maybe they should stop supporting you when you hit 60s or even before when you need permanent care..

By Chuchu | 23 August 2012 9:26 PM

I believe avoiding refined foods would be the first step for you to lose weight. They can taste great, but refined foods have got very little nutritional value, making you take more to have enough strength to get through the day. Should you be constantly ingesting these foods, transferring to grain and other complex carbohydrates will make you to have more strength while ingesting less. Interesting blog post.

By Super Slim | 23 August 2012 9:34 PM

@super slim: Is your point all Somiers are to fat???????????Or did you miss the discussions point>

By Kees | 24 August 2012 11:12 PM

@joost, @ sup @ thomas : Your attitudes are exactly what is wrong with the world. I think we should deport you to Somalia and see if your persepctive changes. Luke 6:31 : Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

By Robert | 25 August 2012 8:27 AM

If the situation is so violent and dangerous in Somalia, nobody should be deported, even the non "westernized". How can people be so cruel as to wish someone else to be deported?

By JF | 26 August 2012 6:09 PM