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Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 14-09-2021 | 19:08

Coronavirus entry pass is extra safeguard

The coronavirus entry pass system is being introduced for locations that will get busier when the 1.5 metre distancing rule is lifted. The aim is to keep the risk of transmission as low as possible while enabling people to socialise as safely as possible. The system also plays an important part in allowing most locations to open at maximum capacity – and to stay open.

As of 25 September, the coronavirus entry pass system will apply to bars and restaurants (but not takeaways), events (such as festivals, concerts and professional sports matches), and cultural venues (such as cinemas and theatres). Whether people have a fixed seat or not, and whether the location is indoors or outdoors, everyone aged 13 and over will have to show a valid coronavirus entry pass to gain admission. Everyone aged 14 and over will also have to show their ID along with their coronavirus entry pass.

All hospitality establishments must be closed between midnight and 06.00. All events will once again be allowed, but visitors will have to show a coronavirus entry pass. Events held outdoors, or indoors with fixed seating, are not subject to a maximum number of visitors or a compulsory end time, but they must close at midnight. Events held indoors without fixed seating can receive up to 75% of the maximum number of visitors and must be closed between midnight and 06.00. The government is developing support measures for nightclubs and discos and for events that are subject to capacity limitations. The details will be announced as soon as possible.

You can get a coronavirus entry pass if you are fully vaccinated, have valid proof of recovery or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours before entry. For people without proof of vaccination or recovery, getting tested will remain free of charge.

You can generate a coronavirus entry pass using the CoronaCheck app on your mobile phone. Staff at hospitality establishments and organisers of events, sports matches and cultural activities can get the CoronaCheck Scanner app, so that they can easily check the validity of entry passes.

Basic rules still apply

Many measures have been lifted and we have gotten many of our freedoms back. But the virus has not gone away. It’s still important to keep following the basic rules, even if you’re fully vaccinated. Staying 1.5 metres from others is no longer mandatory, but is now an urgent advice. As long as the virus is circulating, giving each other space is common sense, and 1.5 metres is a safe distance that’s proven to help prevent transmission of the virus. Just like the other basic rules: washing hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not shaking hands, staying home and getting tested by the GGD if you have symptoms, and ensuring a good flow of fresh air indoors.

The advice to work from home unless that is impossible is being modified. The advice is now: work from home if you can, and go to the office if you must. It’s up to employers and employees to make satisfactory arrangements on hours worked at home and at the office.

Face masks mandatory on public transport and at airports

Face masks are still mandatory in airports (in any case the airside area and any other locations designated by airport management, such as arrival and departure halls), on aircraft, trains, buses, trams and metros, in taxis and on other commercial passenger transport. Face masks no longer need to be worn in train stations and at bus, tram and metro stops.

Education

As of 25 September, the maximum group size of 75 people in secondary vocational and higher education will be abolished.

Face masks no longer need to be worn outside classrooms and lecture halls at institutions for secondary, secondary vocational and higher education.

If there is an isolated positive case in a daycare group or primary school class, it is no longer mandatory for everyone in the group or class to self-quarantine and get tested.

Third dose and booster shots

People with a severe immune system disorder will receive an invitation from their attending doctor to get a third vaccine dose.

The vaccines are still very effective in preventing serious COVID-19 and death, so the Health Council of the Netherlands advises against booster shots for the general population at this time.

Travel

The rules on self-quarantining for people travelling to the Netherlands will change as of 22 September. Vaccinated travellers from very high risk areas such as the United States or the United Kingdom no longer have to self-quarantine on arrival in the Netherlands. Prepare your journey well. Before you leave, check the travel advice on wijsopreis.nl (in Dutch) and reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en.

The government remains alert

The above measures will enter into effect on 25 September and will apply until further notice. If the number of hospital and ICU admissions remains low for a longer period of time, the government will lift some of the measures still in place. But the government will remain alert. If there is a sudden spike in the number of people admitted to hospital or the ICU, extra measures may be needed. The government will try to take targeted measures where possible. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the government are staying alert to the emergence of new coronavirus variants.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 03-09-2021 | 09:00

Changes to list of safe countries within the EU

Within the EU, Germany and Hungary will be designated high-risk areas. This means that travellers from these countries will need to show a COVID certificate (proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative test result) when travelling to the Netherlands. This requirement will come into effect on 6 September 9:00. Consult the travel advice (in Dutch) to find out what documents you need to show.
 

Changes regarding countries outside the EU

As of 4 September 0:01 the following countries will be designated as a very high-risk area:

• the United States
• Israel
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia 

Measures

• This means the EU entry ban will apply to these countries. People travelling from these countries will only be able enter the Netherlands if they are fully vaccinated or fall under one of the exemption categories for the EU entry ban.
• They are also required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival as of 4 september 9:00.
• As of 6 September 9:00, they must also show a negative test result. Proof of recovery or vaccination will no longer be sufficient.

Lebanon: high-risk area

Lebanon will be designated a high-risk area and fall under the EU entry ban as of 4 September 0:01, with fully vaccinated travellers exempt from the entry ban. The current COVID certificate requirement will remain unchanged.

Changes regarding countries where there is a variant of concern

As of 4 September 0:01 am, the category ‘very high-risk area where there is a variant of concern’ will cease to exist. Additional measures had been in place for the 16 countries in this category (South Africa and countries in South and Central America). As of 4 September 0:01 these countries will be moved to either the category ‘high-risk area’ or the category ‘very high-risk area’.

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay will be designated high-risk areas. Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Suriname, Venezuela and South Africa will be designated very high-risk areas.

As of 4 September 0:01, travellers who have been fully vaccinated or fall under one of the exemption categories for the EU entry ban will be able to enter the EU. The requirement for some travellers to show two negative test results will be lifted. However, other requirements still apply. People travelling from a high-risk area must show a COVID certificate (proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative test result) and the health declaration. People travelling from a very high-risk area must show a negative test result (proof of vaccination or recovery is not sufficient) and the health declaration, and must comply with the mandatory quarantine requirement.

The EU travel ban will come into effect at 4 september 0:01, the mandatory quarantine requirement at 4 september 9:00 and test obligations at 6 september 9:00.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 13-08-2021 | 19:10

30 August: 1.5 metre rule to be lifted in MBO and higher education settings

In the new academic year, students can attend on-site teaching at MBOs, HBOs and universities. The 1.5 metre rule will no longer apply here. There will, however, be a number of additional conditions in place to ensure on-site learning can take place in a responsible way. This includes a maximum group size of 75 people and the use of facemasks outside lessons and lectures. Preventative self-testing is still strongly advised.
It is in students’ best interests to be taught on site. Lifting the 1.5 metre rule will help ensure the new academic year gets off to the best possible start.

Other measures extended

All other measures will be extended until 19 September inclusive. In restaurants, bars and cafés, guests must have an assigned seat and these establishments must still close at midnight. Live and screened entertainment is not permitted. Nightclubs and similar venues will remain closed. The measures in place for events will also be extended. The credit guarantee scheme for events and supplementary compensation scheme for events will therefore be extended until 19 September inclusive. The advice to work from home as much as possible and to avoid travelling at peak times will remain in force. 

Free-of-charge testing for people travelling abroad will be extended until 30 September inclusive. Appointments can be made through Testenvoorjereis.nl (choose English). 

Intended from 20 September: 1.5 metre rule to be lifted everywhere

The government plans to lift the 1.5 metre rule across the rest of society from 20 September. Most other restrictions will also be lifted at the same time. Nightclubs and similar venues will still remain closed at this stage, however.

From 20 September the coronavirus entry pass system must be used at restaurants, cafés, bars, events (such as festivals and sports events with spectators) and cultural venues (such as cinemas and theatres) where more than 75 people are present. This applies both indoors and outdoors, regardless of whether guests have an assigned seat. People can generate a coronavirus entry pass if they have been fully vaccinated, have valid proof of recovery or have a negative test result for a test taken less than 24 hours before entry to the venue in question. People who need a negative test result to create an entry pass can currently get tested for free. From a date yet to be determined they will have to pay a contribution towards the cost of their test.

Before taking the decision to lift the 1.5 metre rule in MBO, HBO and university settings, the government asked the Outbreak Management Team to issue an advisory opinion. It will do the same before deciding whether or not to take the next step in September. Vaccination coverage and the infection rate will be decisive in this regard.

The government hopes it will be possible to stop using the coronavirus entry pass system within the Netherlands and to lift remaining restrictions as of 1 November.

Getting vaccinated without an appointment

The government is doing its utmost to make getting vaccinated against coronavirus as simple as possible. At a number of municipal health service (GGD) vaccination centres it is now possible to get a first dose without an appointment. An overview of these walk-in vaccination centres is available on Prikkenzonderafspraak.nl. 

Basic rules still apply

Following the  basic rules remains as important as ever, even if you have been vaccinated. This means staying 1.5 metres away from others (until this rule is lifted), washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, staying at home and getting tested if you have symptoms and ensuring a good flow of fresh air indoors.

High vaccination coverage does not mean coronavirus has gone away. It will continue to circulate in the Netherlands and elsewhere, and new variants may develop. That’s why it is important that everyone who has symptoms gets tested, even if they have already been vaccinated. This will allow us to keep track of the virus and stay alert to any sudden increases in the infection rate.
 

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 27-06-2023 | 16:25

A dispute or legal problem can happen to anyone. Life events, such as the ending of a relationship, losing a job or a conflict with an employer, but also everyday activities, such as making purchases, often have a legal aspect. In most cases, managing that legal dimension does not pose any problems. When a legal problem or dispute does arise, however, not everyone is able to find a suitable solution. Minister Weerwind aims to change that.

Minister Weerwind:

“Everyone should be able to resolve a legal problem or dispute in an accessible, lasting and appropriate way. This is about so much more than going to court. An appropriate solution can also be found with the help of a mediator, by making payment arrangements or by submitting the dispute to a disputes committee. This is why I am taking steps to strengthen not only the process of going to court, but also the use of these options.”

Concrete measures

To strengthen access to legal services, Minister Weerwind is taking additional measures on top of ongoing initiatives. These measures focus on improving the availability of information, increasing the accessibility of (legal) advice and support, and lowering the threshold for obtaining a decision from a neutral body, such as the courts.

Information on solutions to common legal problems and disputes should be accessible, understandable and objective. This is why, for example, the central government website is being updated. To encourage the use of mediation, from 1 March, when referred from the judiciary, mediation will be free of charge for the first two and a half hours. This initial fee will apply for two years and, if it is successful, will become structural. In addition, Minister Weerwind intends to increase the use of restorative justice so that victims and suspects or convicts can discuss and remedy the effects of a (potentially) criminal offence more often. To achieve this, Minister Weerwind is investing an additional €1.2 million.

Another measure Minister Weerwind is taking is to reduce court fees. This comprises fees paid by everyone who wants to bring a case to court. These fees will be reduced by around 13.5 per cent compared to the prevailing price level for most cases. Citizens and businesses can also submit their dispute to a dispute resolution committee. This is a low-threshold approach to dispute resolution. The Stichting Geschillencommissies voor Consumentenzaken (Foundation for Consumer Disputes Committees) plays an important role in this. The subsidy to this organisation will be structurally increased by €260,000.

Approach

Minister Weerwind consulted numerous parties, such as the judiciary, representatives of the legal professions and interest groups, to identify bottlenecks and possible measures to complement existing initiatives to strengthen access to justice. A survey was also conducted among citizens and entrepreneurs who have faced legal issues. Minister Weerwind indicated that the measures announced are a first step. A continued effort will be made, in collaboration with parties, to further strengthen access to justice.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 26-06-2023 | 16:30

For vocational and continuing education of convicts, 5 million euros will be allocated. This will enhance the collaboration between the Judicial Organisation and labour organisations and improve the education offered to prisoners. In addition, 5 million euros will be allocated to collaboration between various parties. These funds can be used, for example, to improve knowledge exchange between staff of prisons, probation officers, municipalities and care & security houses. An additional 2 million euros will also be allocated to municipalities in their guidance of convicts towards work or housing. With this, municipalities can also assist in other basic conditions, such as arranging an identity document, healthcare (insurance), debt assistance and building a sound social network.

‘After a misstep, everyone deserves a second chance. The extra investment will help inmates properly return to society outside prison walls. In this way, we prevent them from falling back into crime and offer them prospects to rebuild their lives in a good and honest way,’ Minister Weerwind stated.

Proof of identity

As of 1 September, detainees can apply for a Dutch ID card from prison, even if they are registered in a different municipality. Municipalities in which a prison is located will be authorised to this effect. For successful reintegration, it is important that prisoners have proof of identity while they are still serving their prison sentence. Without ID, for example, it is not possible to find work or accommodation. This new procedure prevents detainees from leaving prison without a valid proof of identity. This measure was established in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 26-06-2023 | 13:00

I n 2022, 83,080 asylum seekers were residing at a COA location or crisis emergency shelter. Of this group, 7% were involved in an incident of verbal aggression (such as swearing and threats), physical aggression (such as hitting, and kicking), non-verbal aggression (such as aggressive attitude or gestures), verbal suicide threats or self-destructive actions. Among asylum seekers in reception, 3% were suspected of a crime. Nationalities with relatively high numbers of suspects are Algerian (44%), Moroccan (33%) and Tunisian (31%). The WODC concludes this and more in its report.

State Secretary Eric van der Burg:

“With the increase in the number of asylum seekers, nuisance and crime rates are also rising. Each incident is unacceptable and is one too many. We must join forces with the organisations in the asylum chain and the Public Prosecution Service and ensure that asylum seekers are not given room for misconduct.”

Cracking down on misconduct

Against asylum seekers who abuse the Netherlands’ hospitality and cause nuisance and/or behave criminally, a firm approach is appropriate. Organisations in the asylum chain are working hard to quickly process asylum applications from people who cause nuisance and to ensure return to the country of origin or transfer to the responsible Dublin Member State after a rejection.

For asylum seekers who commit crimes, the Public Prosecution Service applies an expedited approach. This makes it clear to the accused that committing a crime has immediate criminal consequences. Where possible, accelerated or super-expedited proceedings are applied. Local government, the asylum chain and society must be confident that crimes will not be tolerated.

Providing prompt clarity on asylum applications and bringing suspects quickly to trial for crimes must ensure that potentially disruptive individuals are discouraged from still entering the Netherlands.

Preventing nuisance

The impact of persons causing nuisance on the surrounding area is great. Prevention is therefore essential, for instance by deploying street surveillance teams, as in the municipalities of Westerwolde, Cranendonck and Delfzijl, and by facilitating municipalities in local initiatives. A targeted approach remains necessary to keep reception locations safe and liveable for asylum seekers, staff and local residents alike. One example is the deployment of COA’s Ambulatory Support Team for locations where nuisance occurs and intensive supervision of residents who display (potentially) disruptive behaviour by COA-trained employees.

Greater insight into the motives of residents who cause nuisance helps to more effectively implement prevention and measures. The corresponding survey is expected to be published before the end of the year.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 26-06-2023 | 07:00

Instructional materials for sexually abusing children have been circulating the so-called dark web of the internet for some time. These describe, among other things, how to ‘hunt’ for children, seduce a child and gain a child’s trust. Such a manual puts children at risk as it provides a breeding ground for the child abuser to make his move.

Sexual abuse of children is one of the most devastating forms of crime for the victims and those around them. Children have a fundamental right to a safe environment in which to grow up. It is horrific and unacceptable that people are engaged in sharing advice on how to abuse children. Abusive situations – offline and online – must be stopped. In this process, we must also prevent children from ending up in abusive situations to the greatest extent possible,”

said Justice and Security Minister Yesilgöz-Zegerius.

The minister therefore deems it vital to increase early action against potential child abusers. The new penal provision broadens the tools for early action.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 28-09-2023 | 17:25

The Dutch Global Health Hub has been set up to lead the way towards a global health system. The Hub brings together parties including knowledge institutions, academics, NGOs, top sectors, young people, innovators and thinktanks active in the field of global health. By joining forces, the partners will contribute to:

• Strengthening the global health architecture and national health systems. For example, by improving access to basic health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
• Improving international pandemic preparedness and minimising cross-border health threats. By focusing on global access to medicines and health products, and strengthening international action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic diseases policy.
• Addressing the impact of climate change on public health, and vice versa. By making healthcare more sustainable and climate-resilient worldwide, and ensuring that it is climate resilient.

Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport: “We are all aware of the urgent need to develop a fairer and more resilient ecosystem for public health. The challenges we are facing are so extensive that we must leave no stone unturned. By this I mean creating symbiosis not only between countries, but also between ministries and sectors. We need the expertise of knowledge institutions and NGOs, and the involvement of both public and private partners. Each has a role to play. Only then will we be able to effectively address the challenges we are currently facing.”

The Dutch Global Health Hub is part of the government’s global health strategy. Key points in this strategy are improving cooperation, sharing knowledge and experience, and defending human rights to improve the health of people worldwide.

Pascalle Grotenhuis, Director-General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “It is clearer than ever that health challenges don’t stop at borders. And that we are all dependent on each other to limit health challenges, such as new outbreaks of diseases and the impact on health caused by climate change. Collaboration across a range of sectors and with partners across our borders is vital. This is why we have worked closely with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in developing the Dutch Global Health Strategy and the Global Health Hub. This will enable us to identify the most pressing needs, bring together knowledge, commitment and financial support, encourage communities to stand up for their health rights, strengthen health systems and address the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, children and LGBTIQ+ persons.”

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 25-09-2023 | 15:30

The ministry does this to underscore the importance of the battle against dementia and strengthen cooperation between G20 countries, the healthcare sector, researchers and other stakeholders. Minister for Long-term Care and Sport Conny Helder will host the conference. It will take place in the Kunstmuseum in The Hague and will be organised by VWS in partnership with the World Dementia Council (WDC).

The conference will be all about the latest developments in the fields of dementia care, medicines, technologies, having people with dementia participate in society, diagnostics and prevention. Over 120 speakers and participants will gather at the conference, consisting of representatives from G20 countries, the WHO, eminent international researchers, directors of care organisations, interest groups, people with dementia and their informal carers. In addition to Minister Helder, Prime Minister Rutte will also speak at the Defeating Dementia conference. The goal is to arrive at international agreements on concrete actions to improve dementia care worldwide and on boosting investment in scientific research.

Minister Conny Helder: ‘Dementia poses an enormous challenge to societies all over the world. This is a topic that should consistently receive more attention. We are seeing very promising developments in scientific research, but we need to make substantial strides in both our efforts and our sense of urgency. As part of the National Dementia Strategy, the Netherlands has significantly increased its budget for scientific research, but we will need to increase our combined efforts to really make a difference. Joining forces at the international level is crucial to improve the lives of people with dementia and ultimately eradicate dementia entirely.’

Global impact
Dementia has far-reaching consequences for people’s lives, including the lives of friends, family and other people close to those suffering from dementia. A decline in brain function affects memory, orientation and the ability to communicate. This translates to an increasingly greater need for care and support.

The increase in the number of people with dementia is also having a drastic impact on the accessibility and affordability of care. It is estimated that dementia costs economies 1.2 trillion euros a year globally and that this will increase to 2.6 trillion euros by 2030. All of this shows how important it is that we increase international investment in scientific research and in suitable care and support for people with dementia. At the international conference, representatives from more than 20 different countries – including the United States, Japan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Canada – will debate this issue. In doing so, they will look at the development of new medicines as well as prevention and technological innovations that could lighten the workload of informal carers and healthcare workers.

Premiere of Human Forever
Conference attendees will be able to view an abridged version of the documentary Human Forever, by healthcare innovator Teun Toebes (24). The documentary is about the journey he made with documentary film-maker Jonathan de Jong. Together, they visited 11 countries, spread across four different continents, to find out how people from all over the world deal with dementia, focusing in particular on how we can work together to ensure a hopeful future for people suffering from the disease. The premiere of the full version will be on 9 October.

As part of the afternoon programme, the international audience will also be treated to a performance by het Participatiekoor (the Participation Choir). The choir members are all people suffering from dementia or informal carers who are not suffering from dementia. They sing to the accompaniment of professional vocalists (soloists), instrumentalists and a conductor. Research into this initiative has shown that participation in this choir results in – among other things – improved cognitive function, stronger social relationships and boosted self-confidence among people with dementia.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 12-06-2023 | 17:18

The DCC is a QR code that travellers can show to prove they are vaccinated, have recently recovered from COVID or have tested negative. This is a way for them to meet the COVID-related entry requirements for the country they are travelling to. The DCC was developed in 2021 to facilitate free movement of persons within the EU during the coronavirus pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) last month announced that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency. At this stage the use of DCCs is no longer contributing to the protection of public health. Very few countries still require travellers to have a COVID certificate and their number is expected to fall further.

With the relevant EU regulation now expiring, EU member states are no longer required to issue digital proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test result. From 1 July 2023, members states are free to decide whether or not to continue issuing COVID certificates and in what way. There is no legal reason or requirement for the Netherlands to continue issuing international QR-code certificates in the CoronaCheck app.

Travelling to countries that require a COVID certificate

As of 1 July 2023 the Netherlands will no longer issue DCCs in the CoronaCheck app. An archived version of the app will exist until the end of 2023. COVID certificates that were generated before 1 July will remain available in the app. These will also be available to download as a document. If a user has not already generated a COVID certificate, the app will serve no purpose after 1 July.

As an alternative to the CoronaCheck app, travellers can show their vaccination status using an overview over their vaccinations. This overview can be accessed on mijn.rivm.nl or through the organisation that vaccinated them. Vaccinations can also still be entered into the yellow vaccination booklet. The few countries that still require proof of vaccination often also accept also forms of proof besides the DCC.

Countries that still have COVID-related entry requirements include Bolivia and the Philippines. For the latest information see wijsopreis.nl or the website of the country’s embassy.

PDFs with a QR code can be downloaded and/or printed via coronacheck.nl until 1 July 2023. This COVID certificate will remain valid for one year. Older test results will be available on coronatest.nl only. People who are planning to travel abroad can still get tested by a commercial test provider if they need to show a negative test result. For questions relating to COVID certificates see COVID certificate for travel (for people living in the Netherlands).