The Hague: Noureddine Amrani

Individuals in the Netherlands receiving social assistance (bijstandsuitkering) who conceal a house, land, or inheritance in Morocco or other countries risk having to reclaim an amount many times greater than the property's value if they fail to disclose it.

Dutch municipalities are expected to warn social assistance recipients that they must notify local authorities and municipal institutions of all information related to their assets in their country of origin. Failure to report such assets will result in the municipality suspending all social assistance payments and demanding the return of all funds disbursed illegally and undeservedly. Social assistance and related benefits are primarily intended for the unemployed and those unable to work due to illness or other reasons; therefore, those with assets are not entitled to any support or assistance.

For example, if a beneficiary of compensation of Moroccan origin owns a house worth €30,000, they are required to repay the full amount plus all payments received over several years.

According to the Directive on Income and Assets Abroad (V2026), municipalities must determine the date on which foreign assets exceed the permitted limit. From that date, benefits can be retroactively revoked, and any disbursed funds recovered.

Municipalities will require beneficiaries of compensation and all other support programs to declare all their assets.

Failure to declare assets will result in the immediate suspension of all benefits and the imposition of financial penalties.