This is one of the actions taken by the government to acknowledge the history of slavery and improve awareness of its impact.
Minister Weerwind: “The apologies for the slavery past were not an endpoint, but a step in the right direction. Both the government and society must continue to work on this. The free change of surname for descendants of enslaved people is a good example of this progress.”
In the colonial past, enslaved people often had no choice in their names; they were given names by their slaveholders. These names often referred to the plantation where they worked.
Adults with such a surname will soon be able to change it for free. Currently, this costs € 835, and a psychological statement is required. This will be eliminated; a statement confirming that one is a descendant of an enslaved person will be sufficient.
The proposal has been in internet consultation and is now being sent to the Council of State for advice on the legislation. This is a necessary step in the procedure.