A 13-year-old boy who was born in Arnhem and has lived all his life in the Netherlands has been given leave to remain in Netherlands with his family after all.

Boadcaster Nos said last week that junior justice minister Klaas Dijkhoff had written to Wageningen’s mayor to inform him about his decision to send Tri Pam to Vietnam.

Tri Pam’s parents were refused asylum in 2008 but continued to fight the decision. The Dutch authorities say Vietnam is a safe country and there is no reason for them not to return.

Tri Pam was not covered by the amnesty for child refugees because his parents did not always report weekly to the authorities. However, Wageningen council says the boy’s whereabouts were always known, and that he attended school.

Tri Pam said in a reaction to the news he is delighted he can stay after all, after years of tension and worry.

Dijkhoff has allowed the family to stay after all using his discretionary powers.