Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Imaginative litmus test for prospective Netherlands immigrants

From AP via Yahoo! News: "Dutch Immigrants Must Watch Racy Film."

For would-be immigrants to the Netherlands, this film is a test of their readiness to participate in the liberal Dutch culture.

If they can't stomach it, no need to apply.

Despite whether they find the film offensive, applicants must buy a copy and watch it if they hope to pass the Netherlands' new entrance examination.

The test — the first of its kind in the world — became compulsory Wednesday, and was made available at 138 Dutch embassies.

Taking the exam costs $420. The price for a preparation package that includes the film, a CD ROM and a picture album of famous Dutch people is $75.

Extra credit for snickering at "$420?"

"As of today, immigrants wishing to settle in the Netherlands for, in particular, the purposes of marrying or forming a relationship will be required to take the civic integration examination abroad," the Immigration Ministry said in a statement.

Ultimately, no test is fraud-proof. It also begs the question of how "offended" is "too" offended, and such a reaction can be suppressed or denied.

But I like the way they're thinking.  (Creatively, that is!)

Posted on 03/15/2006 5:05 PM by Marisol Seibold
Comments
15 Mar 2006
Mary Jackson
Yes, they are thinking creatively. Insofar as it limits Muslim immigration, that is a good thing.

However, this kind of test does not make the distinction between tolerance and approval. The whole point of tolerance is that it embraces that which you do not approve of. Strict and honest Catholics, Sikhs or Buddhists might fail the test. Muslim taqiyya merchants might pass.

Nevertheless, it is a step in the right direction.