Twenty-five Dutch multi-cultural interest organisations have taken legal action aginst the Dutch State. They want the æexorbitantÆ raise in fees for residence permits to be rescinded.
The price of temporary permits was raised from 56 euro to 430 euro within one year. For a permanent stay one has to pay 890 euro now. The rates cover the costs according to the Justice ministry, but much exceed those in other EU-states.
This legal action starts a new phase in the matter of the expensive residence permits. Earlier the knowledge-lobby expressed its dismay regarding the price increase, which would scare off students and employees from outside the European Union. Institutes of higher education are not happy with this, because they have heavily invested in internationalisation. Some universities are checking their budgets for funds to cover the costs themselves.
