More foreign nationals exempt from tuberculosis tests

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Netherlands has expanded its list of foreign nationals who are exempt from tuberculosis testing upon obtaining a residence permit.

What does the change mean? Nationals of 95 countries are exempt from TB testing. Also exempt are those who already have a valid residence permit in the Netherlands at the time of their application, were born in the Netherlands and have not changed their principal residence since birth, or have already undergone a TB test in the Netherlands.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Residence permits.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for temporary residence permits.
• Business impact: The expanded exemption list removes an administrative burden for more foreign employees.

Background: In general, all non-EU/EEA/Swiss foreign nationals must undergo a TB test within three months after receiving a residence permit unless they are exempt. The expanded list of foreign nationals of 95 countries now exempt from TB testing can be viewed here on the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service website. Nationals who are not on the list may still be exempt from TB testing if they already had a TB test in the Netherlands, hold a valid residence permit at the time of their application, or were born in the Netherlands and kept the same principal residence since birth.

BAL Analysis: The change eliminates a step in the residence permit process for many foreign nationals.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Netherlands. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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