Netherlands withdraws residency permits from multiple Syrian nationals, citing possible involvement in war crimes

NETHERLANDS (North Press) – The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service withdrew the residence permit from twenty-nine Syrians in the Netherlands after an investigation by the Dutch Ministry of Justice.

Dutch newspaper The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the Dutch Ministry of Justice conducted an investigation that led to the withdrawal of 29 residency permits of Syrian refugees, because they provided incorrect information during the interview to obtain residency, in addition to the residence of a person involved in war crimes.

Syrians between the ages of 17 and 35 were investigated since their arrival in the Netherlands.

The investigation included more than 12,000 Syrians. 63 cases related to possible war crimes and other serious crimes were opened, 50 of which were closed due to lack of evidence despite indications that the applicants were involved.

The investigations revealed incorrect information during the residency interviews in 223 cases, during which the applicants lied about their original nationality.

According to Dutch Minister of Justice Ankie Broekers-Knol, residency permits were withdrawn from 29 of them, while the status of 46 others was settled.

The minister did not mention the fate of the refugees whose residence permits were withdrawn.

The aim of the investigation was to ensure that those obtaining Dutch residency or citizenship did not commit war crimes or other serious crimes which may affect national security in the Netherlands.

Seven people are still under investigation, and the residency of one person has been withdrawn because of his involvement in war crimes.

The investigation relied on what the refugees wrote about themselves in posts or comments on Facebook, and this contributed to revealing people's tendencies and attitudes.