Amigoe: Naturalization test introduced in Aruba

Amigoe; May 6, 2006: Naturalization test introduced

ARUBA — Everybody that wants to qualify for naturalization has to take and pass the naturalization test before submitting the petition with the Cabinet of the Governor. Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Strangero (Dimas) indicated that the Examining-board is responsible for organizing and evaluating the test.

The naturalization test has two parts. The first part deals with questions on the political structure and the community of Aruba, with aspects like the daily life, history, cultural and social development, and political developments.

The second part is on the knowledge of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the Dutch- or Papiamento language. The candidate has to pass the first part of the test before taking the second part. Once the candidate passes both parts of the test, he/she will receive a certificate, which is needed for a request for naturalization. The fee for the naturalization test will be announced later.

A person that wants to submit a request for naturalization should first report with the Dimas at the roundabout Tanki Flip, where the personnel will determine whether the person qualifies or not. If the person does, the Dimas will give the name of the person to the Examination-board for the naturalization test. When the person passed the test, he/she can submit a request for naturalization with the Cabinet of the Governor. Those that do not pass the test will have to wait for at least six months before trying again.

Dimas assumes that under the new procedure, each request is handled within 6 months. Requests submitted before May 1st, will continue to fall and be handled under the old rules.