VOIWORLD
The Netherlands has declared that its golden visa programme will soon come to an end, with effect from January 1, 2024, marking a dramatic change in its immigration policies. As stated in a statement from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service in the Netherlands (NLS), the programme “will no longer be available from January 1, 2024.”
The scheme was originally intended to draw wealthy foreign nationals to invest in the Dutch economy in exchange for a residence permit. The Netherlands originally implemented the golden visa programme in 2013 as a means of promoting economic expansion. Its limited uptake in the early years, however, prompted changes in 2018 to increase its attractiveness to possible investors. In accordance with the programme, among other requirements, foreign tourists wishing to reside in the Netherlands must contribute significantly to the national economy by at least EUR 1,250,000. These prerequisites include being in possession of a current passport or travel document, not endangering national security or public order, and passing a TB test as soon as one lands in the Netherlands. In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs states that candidates must invest a minimum of €1,250,000 in a Dutch business, a fund operating under the SEED programme, a venture capital firm, or a contractual joint venture that includes an investment in a Dutch company. In order to evaluate applications, the Dutch authorities put in place a points system. Applicants can earn extra points if they fulfil two of the following three requirements: they must create at least ten jobs within five years, contribute to the innovativeness of a Dutch company, or provide non-financial value like specialised knowledge, client networks, and active involvement.
Strong calls for the termination of residency-by-investment programmes have gathered traction from a variety of political circles as the European Union pledged to strengthen its position on the matter. However, it doesn’t appear like getting golden visas has gotten harder in spite of these attempts. This ruling closes a major door for foreign investors seeking Dutch residency cards, and it will have a big impact on individuals who were hoping to take advantage of the programme. The closure of the ‘Golden Visa’ programme signifies a change in Dutch immigration goals and policy, in line with general international trends concerning residency permits based on investment. Even though the Dutch programme is about to come to an end, the appeal of these programmes endures, demonstrating that this is a complicated economic and geopolitical problem that defies simple answers. As a result, foreign investors continue to favour Spain, Portugal, and Greece as locations for residency and citizenship opportunities.
https://www.voiworld.com/record-number-of-indians-enter-canada-illegally-via-u-s/
