Participation Statement

The Participation Declaration is a document that newcomers to the Netherlands must sign to show their commitment to and understanding of Dutch society. It is an important part of the integration process and aims to promote the integration of newcomers. The declaration emphasizes values, rights and duties that apply in the Netherlands, such as freedom, equality and participation.

Do you need to start civic integration on or after Oct. 1, 2017? And are you registered with the municipality? Then you must learn what is important in the Netherlands. And put your signature on the participation statement. Children under 18 do not have to participate. And also not to put a signature. Nor do elderly people who already receive a pension (AOW).

How does it work?

For the participation statement, you will learn what is important in the Netherlands, how we treat each other in the Netherlands and why we do it that way. For example:

  • Everyone in the Netherlands is equal.
  • Everyone gets to choose their own partner.
  • Everyone gets to choose what they believe.
  • Everyone gets to go to school.
  • Everyone is allowed to say what they think. But you are not allowed to discriminate against another person.
  • We take care of ourselves. But also for each other. The government helps people who need it.

What to do

You then put your signature on the participation statement. You declare that you want to actively participate in Dutch society. And that you respect what is important in the Netherlands.

Vluchtelingen Werk Nederland Vluchtelingen Werk Nederland gives the Participation Declaration course in this municipality. The participation statement is not an exam at DUO. Vluchtelingen Werk Nederland will send you a letter about this. Have you not yet received a letter? You can contact Pauline van Duijvenbode: pvanduivenbode@vluchtelingenwerk.nl or Basel Biad: bbiad@vluchtelingenwerk.nl

How long does it take?

You have 1 year to learn what is important in the Netherlands. And to put your signature on the participation statement. That year starts when you are registered at the municipality. If you have not signed the participation statement within 1 year? Then you will receive a fine from DUO. You can then no longer borrow money from DUO.

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