The Netherlands is facing renewed calls to address the situation of undocumented Surinamese former Dutch citizens, with advocates urging a permanent solution to rectify injustices stemming from the country’s colonial past. A special residence scheme, which ran from January 1 to July 1, 2025, aimed to provide a path to legal residency for individuals born as Dutch citizens before Suriname’s independence in 1975, who subsequently lost their citizenship and have resided in the Netherlands for at least ten years. While the scheme granted permits to approximately 300 people, many others were deemed ineligible, highlighting ongoing issues related to immigration policies and historical ties.

Critics argue that the current regulations create unnecessary hardships for individuals and families with strong connections to both the Netherlands and Suriname. They point to instances where people are denied visas or face difficulties when traveling to visit relatives or attend important events, such as funerals.

The situation is further complicated by the legacy of forced migration, such as the recruitment of Javanese contract laborers to Suriname by Dutch plantation owners a century ago. Descendants of these laborers now find themselves undocumented in the Netherlands, a situation deemed legally sound but socially unjust. The limited scope of the special residence scheme has left many individuals excluded, even those with decades-long residency in the Netherlands or those providing essential care to Dutch citizens.

As the Netherlands commemorates fifty years of Surinamese independence, advocates are pushing for a more inclusive approach. They propose permanently opening the residence scheme and working with the Surinamese government to ease visa and residency requirements. This would align with the shared history and interconnectedness of the two nations, fostering a future of justice and recognition for those who embody their shared heritage.

The call for action underscores the need to address the lingering consequences of colonialism and create a more equitable system for individuals with deep ties to both the Netherlands and Suriname. The current situation raises questions about how the Netherlands will be viewed in the future: as a nation that perpetuated exclusion and injustice, or one that truly honored its shared history with Suriname and its people.