European wave of immigration tests: Dutch and German controversies

More countries are showing the will to introduce or straighten admissions tests for immigrants.

Foreigners pertaining to British citizenship are expected to take a 45 minute test of 24 questions demonstrating their basic knowledge of national culture. The price for this multiple choice test is £34. Applicants must answer correctly 75% of questions.

In Germany, two states have already introduced immigration tests, commonly called «Muslim tests,» with questions designed to investigate an applicant’s compatibility with local values.

In comparison, new immigration procedures recently introduced in the Netherlands appear strikingly heavier, thereby underlining the conversion of Holland from one of Europe’s most liberal countries to the one having one of the strictest immigration legislation.

The centre-right government of Jan Peter Balkenende believes the new procedures, including a compulsory explanatory DVD, shall provide an objective way of assessing the suitability of applicants by gauging their willingness to integrate. The test costs 350 euros, not including the preparation packet (63 euros). The DVD features two gay men kissing in a park and a topless woman bather. Jeroen Dijsselbloem, socialist MP from the parliament’s immigration committee, argued the film had been created to help prepare people for «open-minded» attitudes on issues such as homosexuality. An edited version of the DVD will however be available for showing in Middle Eastern countries such as Iran where it would be illegal to possess images of homosexuality.

Muslim leaders and opponents of the tightening immigration policies have pointed to the film as offensive or as an attempt by the government to discourage applicants from Islamic countries who may be offended by its content. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), already expressed its concern in May 2005 with regard to what they viewed as increasing Dutch intolerance towards Muslims.

Dutch officials deny the that film «To the Netherlands» is wished-for discouraging further Muslim immigration, however insisting that they want all applicants to wonder whether they would fit in one of the world’s most permissive societies.

The test by now constitutes a model for other national legislations as claimed by German interior minister Schäuble.

Documents:

 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) website:

http://www.osce.org/

 International Herald Tribute, Dutch immigration kit offers a revealing view (19.03.06)

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/16/news/dutch-5852942.php