Dutch League Rule: Non-European Players Must Pass Re-entry Permit Process
Source: Antara/Gilang Galiartha
The administrative issues of several Indonesian Players in the Eredivisie or Dutch League are entering a crucial phase. The humanitarian non-temporary residence permit or wedertoelating has become a requirement for those who previously held Dutch citizenship to return to playing legally.
Director of Eredivisie CV, Jan de Jong, emphasized that non-European Union players have two pathways to obtain residence and work permits in the Netherlands. However, not all Indonesian players qualify for the fast-track route.
"An assessment will be conducted on whether they can reside in the Netherlands permanently. During that process, they are already permitted to work and play," stated De Jong as quoted from nos.nl on Friday.
READ ALSO
Reason Why Dean James Was Dropped from Indonesia National Team Revealed, Not Performance-Related
Impressive Performance by Indonesian National Team Defender Dean James Opens Opportunity to Join Ajax
Calvin Verdonk Leads Lille to Europa League Playoffs, Dean James' Team Eliminated
This pathway only applies to players with European Union family connections. Meanwhile, players like Dean James must undergo a more complex route by applying for "re-entry" or wedertoelating – a humanitarian non-temporary residence permit mechanism for former Dutch citizens.
Dean isn't alone. Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard), Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Willem II), and Tim Geypens (FC Emmen) are also on the Dutch immigration authorities' list of 25 problematic players.
The impact is immediate. These four players are temporarily unable to represent their clubs and are even barred from team training sessions.
Conversely, other players like Maarten Paes (Ajax Amsterdam), Miliano Jonathans (Excelsior), and Mees Hilgers (FC Twente) remain unaffected.
For those pursuing wedertoelating, the process is complex. Players must prove prior residence and employment history in the Netherlands. During this period, they can only await decisions with no certainty about their return to the field.
Dutch law complicates the situation. Anyone voluntarily acquiring another citizenship automatically loses Dutch citizen status, while neither the Netherlands nor Indonesia recognizes dual citizenship.
"If they reside in the Netherlands for one year with this permit, they can apply through the option procedure to regain Dutch citizenship," said Hermie de Voer.
This controversy emerged after NAC Breda protested to KNVB regarding Dean James' eligibility in a match against Go Ahead Eagles.
Although the Match Result stands unaltered, the domino effect of this case is now shaking the league's administrative governance.
