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FOR SECURITY REASONS
Netherlands requires ID for migrants--RP labor dep't
First posted 02:26pm (Mla time) Jan 23, 2005
By Veronica Uy
INQ7.net
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SINCE January 1 this year, the Netherlands has been requiring all migrants, including Filipino migrants and workers, aged 14 and above to carry valid identity documents at all time for security reasons, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Sunday.
Citing a note from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said valid identity documents include a Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID, a valid passport, a valid Dutch residence permit, or a valid Dutch or European Union/European Economic Area driver's license. She said any of these documents must be presented upon the request of police officials or other law enforcement authorities.
Other documents such as public transport cards, a moped license, student card, senior citizen card, and ID cards issued by an employer cannot be used for identification purposes, she said.
The note also said that police and other law enforcement authorities can only request
citizens and other individuals in the Netherlands to present an identity document within the context of performing their official duties. Complaints about improper treatment by police may be lodged with the regional police corps, it added.
Sto. Tomas said Filipinos traveling to that country, including tourists, businessmen, workers, or migrants, should be aware of the new measure. She said the Netherlands has traditionally been reticent about imposing obligatory identification. However, security needs have led the government to review its position.
The labor chief said the Dutch government first introduced obligatory identification in 1994, but only for a limited number of situations.
The diplomatic missions, consular posts and international organizations were reminded that since 1994, valid ID must be presented when, among others, opening a bank account, changing or entering employment, drawing up deeds before a notary public, or when caught using public transport without paying the operator.The introduction of the new general obligation does not change the obligatory identification required of foreigners in the Netherlands, Sto. Tomas said.
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