The camera
focuses on two gay men kissing in a park. Later a topless
woman emerges from the sea and walks onto a crowded beach.
For would-be immigrants to the Netherlands, this film
is a test of their readiness to participate in the
liberal Dutch culture. If they can't stomach it, no
need to apply.
Whether or not
they find the film offensive, applicants must buy a copy
and watch it if they hope to pass the nation's new entrance
examination. The test, the first of its kind in the
world, became compulsory Wednesday and was made
available at 138 Dutch embassies around the world.
Taking the exam
costs $420, while the price for a preparation package
that includes the film, a CD-ROM, and a picture album of
famous Dutch people is $75.
"As of [March 15]
immigrants wishing to settle in the Netherlands for,
in particular, the purposes of marrying or forming a
relationship will be required to take the civic
integration examination abroad," the immigration
ministry said in a statement.
The test is part
of a broader crackdown on immigration that has been
gathering momentum in the Netherlands since 2001.
Anti-immigration sentiment peaked with filmmaker Theo
van Gogh's murder by a Dutch national of Moroccan
descent in November 2004.
Both praise and
scorn have been heaped on immigration minister Rita
Verdonk, the architect of the new test and other policies
that have successfully reduced immigration by at least
a third. "If you pass, you're more than welcome,"
Verdonk said. "It is in the interest of Dutch society
and those concerned."
Not everyone is
happy with the new test. "Today is a black day for the
people intending to bring their partners to Holland," said
Buitenlandse Partner, a lobbying group for mixed
Dutch-immigrant couples.
Dutch theologian
Karel Steenbrink criticized the 105-minute movie, saying
it would be offensive to some Muslims. "It is not a prudent
way of welcoming people to the Netherlands," said
Steenbrink, a professor at the University of Utrecht.
"Minister Verdonk has radical ideas."
There are some
major exemptions. EU nationals, asylum seekers, and
skilled workers who earn more than $54,000 per year will not
be required to take the 30-minute computerized exam.
Also, citizens of the United States, Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland are exempt.
A censored
version with no gay or nude material had been prepared since
"it's unlawful to show them in Iran" and some other
countries, filmmaker Walter Goverde said. "With all
the respect I have for all religions, I think people
need to understand that Holland has its own liberal
side as well," he said.
After viewing the
film, which is available in most languages, applicants
are then quizzed on important Dutch factoids such as the
number of provinces that make up the Netherlands; the
role played by William of Orange in the country's
history; and Queen Beatrix's monarchial
functions. Mohammed Sini, the chairman of Islam and
Citizenship, a national Muslim organization, defended
the film, saying that homosexuality is "a reality."
(AP)