Immigration update: Netherlands | Extension of the ‘intelligent lockdown’

‘Intelligent lockdown’ extended till 20 May 2020

To prevent the spread of the corona-virus the Dutch government has announced that most of the precautionary measures for the ’intelligent lockdown’ in the Netherlands are extended, in principle up to and including 19th May 2020. Some of the precautionary measures that are currently in place, will be alleviated.

The sources with a higher infectious risk that impose a bigger threat to contaminate and spread the corona-virus remain closed or forbidden. Events, festivals and other large gatherings will remain forbidden and restaurants and hotels will remain closed until further notice. Hairdressers, massage salons and other places where direct physical contact is involved are to remain closed as well, however dentists and dental hygienists can resume regular care immediately.

Children up to the age of 12 years will be able to go to primary school/special education again on a “part time base” as of 11th May 2020. This decision is taken based on studies that have revealed that children rarely pass the virus on to adults. Also, the primary schools are located in the proximity of people’s residences, ensuring a limited morning and afternoon traffic in the pubic space as a cause of opening the school again.

The social distancing of 1,5 meters and the prohibition of gathering will remain applicable in public spaces and at home to more than 3 people together that do not belong to the same family.

Furthermore, European borders will remain closed for travellers from outside the Schengen area until 15 May 2020. This restriction is applicable to all non-essential travel of persons from third countries to Europe (EU member states, Schengen members and the UK). The travel restriction does not apply to the following categories of persons:

• EU citizens (including UK nationals) and members of their families;
• Nationals of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and their family members;
• Third-country nationals holding a residence card or a residence permit in accordance with Directive 2003/109/EC (LTR Directive);
• Third-country nationals who derive their right of residence from other European Directives or from the national law of a Member State;
• Holders of a long-stay visa, including persons with a temporary residence permit (MVV);
• Other persons with an essential function or need, including:
• Personnel working in Health Care;
• Border workers;
• Persons employed in the transportation of goods, where necessary;
• Diplomats;
• Military personnel;
• Personnel of international and humanitarian organizations;
• Persons who have compelling reasons to visit their families;
• Transit passengers who wish to travel via the Netherlands to another third country;
• Persons in need of international protection; the border procedure applies in full;
• Persons who are admitted for humanitarian reasons.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Brenda Jongman
Senior Immigration Specialist
Brenda.Jongman@staging.santaferelo.com

Claudia de Jager
Senior Immigration Specialist
Claudia.deJager@staging.santaferelo.com

Anique Borchert
Senior Immigration Specialist
Anique.Borchert@staging.santaferelo.com

To read more immigration updates, click here.

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