Speak Dutch to receive welfare benefit

State Secretary for Social Affairs Jetta Klijnsma wants to make speaking the Dutch language one of the requirements for claiming welfare benefits.

Under the proposal, people, including Dutch, EU citizens and immigrants, are required to learn and speak the Dutch language if they want to receive welfare benefits.

The proposal will be discussed by ministers on Friday, Volkskrant reported.

People who will not learn Dutch language and do not pass the exams will have their benefits cut temporarily.

The new requirement is aimed at increasing employment opportunities.

But making the Dutch language one of the conditions for claiming welfare benefits conflicts with international law because it is discriminatory.