Dutch integration exam to focus more on women’s rights, Holocaust

The new requirements for the civic integration exam, which took effect on Tuesday, place greater emphasis on women’s self-determination and knowledge of the Holocaust, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment announced.

The civic integration candidate “shows respect for Dutch sensitivities regarding expressions of antisemitism” is currently part of the requirements to pass the exam. From Tuesday, that has been “knows that the Netherlands was occupied by Germany during the Second World War, knows what the Holocaust entails, and that many Dutch Jews were murdered during it, and knows that antisemitism is banned by law.”

Currently, the civic integration candidate must know “that men and women are equal under the law,” but going forward, they must know “that women and men are equal in value under the law and must be treated equally.”

State Secretary for Integration, Jürgen Nobel, has said that it is important that newcomers learn that women are allowed to work and live their lives independently in the Netherlands. “Knowledge of the Holocaust is also urgently needed.” The changes were initiated under the previous Cabinet.

The requirements for the “Knowledge of Dutch Society” exam have also been expanded in other areas. Where it currently states “knows the position and role of the royal family,” this has been changed to: “Knows that the Netherlands is a kingdom with a royal family, knows the name of the King, and understands that he primarily holds a ceremonial role.”