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Changing surname for descendants of enslaved people for free

Changing surname for descendants of enslaved people for free

Descendants of enslaved people can change their name for free next year. The cabinet has approved the proposal by Minister Weerwind for Legal Protection, which is now being sent to the Council of State.

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.

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Source published: 22 December 2023
Source last updated: 23 January 2025
Published on Openrijk: 23 January 2025
Source: Justitie en Veiligheid