This week the local press reported that the School of Medicine is leaving Bonaire, because the Dutch legislation makes it difficult for them to be situated on Bonaire. Among others the units IND and OCW should play a role in this. It is important for IND and OCW to put the right facts straight.
Entry Requirements American citizens equal those for Dutch citizens
In contrary to what is reported in the media, the rules for admission have even been simplified for the majority of the students from the school of Medicine. After all, American students no longer have to request for an annual permit under the limitation of study. Only once they have to apply for a declaration of admittance that is issued indefinitely. The application for a declaration of admittance was for free until October 1st. As of October 1st the costs for a declaration of admittance is USD 145. Compared to the amount of USD 372, for an application under the limitation study, which must be renewed annually for USD 140. The rules for admission are also simplified for the American family members who want to visit the American students.
US citizens as well as Dutch citizens are allowed to stay for a maximum period of six consecutive months, within a period of one year in the Caribbean Netherlands, without authorization (also called free period). If they want to work, or decide to stay longer than six months, they have to apply for a declaration of admittance, just like the Dutch citizens. They are exempt from applying for a work permit.
No accreditation The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) is not responsible for closing the doors of the medical school on Bonaire. In 2010 the American Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) gave the medical school three years’ time to meet the quality requirements of Netherlands for recognition. Until now the medical school did not manage to get an accreditation declaration of the Nederlands Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie (NVAO). This means that the education is not recognized by The Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean that the school isn’t allowed to stay on Bonaire. The Ministry of OCW is not the organization responsible for this decision. The Dutch government is aware of the economic importance of the medical schools for the Dutch Caribbean Islands. The fact that the medical school leaves the island, is a choice of the school.