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By settling in Belgium the Dutch nationals fall under the more lenient European regulations.
The Belgian Asylum and Migration Secretary Theo Francken has plans to counter the practice.
The Dutch set stricter conditions on family reunions in 2006. Couples need to have a minimum income and spouses joining a partner in the Netherlands have to pass an integration exam before they travel.
Dutch nationals often of Turkish, Suriname or Moroccan extraction settle in Belgium for a while so that they as EU nationals can invoke the European rules that make it easier for their partners to get the right paperwork to stay in the Netherlands.
Asylum and Migration Secretary Theo Francken: “We too have strict rules, but if people are heading for the Netherlands they can invoke the European rules and that makes it easier for them to acquire the right paperwork.”
The practice works in both directions, but more Dutch nationals are coming to Belgium than the number of Belgians travelling to the Netherlands for the same purpose.
Mr Francken has noticed a recent steep increase in the numbers. It’s particularly in Antwerp and border areas that it is noticeable. He now intends to take the matter up with his Dutch counterpart.
“We will discuss what we can do. It won’t be easy because these are European rules. We can improve the exchange of data to identify fraudulent applications and criminals.”
Flandersnews.be / Expatica