Immigration Minister Verdonk plans to block former illegals

AMSTERDAM – Minister of Integration Rita Verdonk told Dutch national daily Trouw on Friday that she is looking into ways to make it difficult for people who have been picked up for living illegally in the Netherlands to return, even legally, to the country. A person’s record as a previous illegal resident may in future also be considered when they apply to visit the country, the minister said through a spokesman. People wanting to visit the Netherlands for work, study or family reasons can still attempt to re-enter the country legally by applying for a temporary residence permit. A measure introduced earlier this year requires people wanting to settle permanently in the country to pass a course in Dutch language and culture. Read more: Eurogates. Forum of education news