THE HAGUE - In recent years, the Dutch National Ombudsman has investigated the problems encountered by Caribbean students in the Netherlands. Racism, a language deficiency, cultural differences, little tutoring, complicated laws and rules: the list is long.
That is why the National Ombudsman made recommendations for (government) organizations to improve the situation for Caribbean students. The dossier has now moved on and work is underway to tackle several bottlenecks.
“First action points have been set in motion. For example, Dutch ministries are preparing amendments to the law, so that in the future Caribbean students will receive a BSN (citizen service number) on time and access to Dutch health insurance. A Steering Group is also preparing a trajectory to improve the connection between Caribbean and Dutch education. In addition, the organizations involved are working on better information about studying and living in the Netherlands. And about student debts”, according to the National Ombudsman.
“At the same time, there is still work to be done. Changing laws takes time. Also, some problems, such as the lack of housing, are not easily solved. The National Ombudsman will therefore continue to monitor what happens with his recommendations in the coming year. At the end of 2022, he will organize another round table meeting with the organizations and ministries involved. Then he wants to hear about what has definitely improved for Caribbean students in the Netherlands.”