(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in the Netherlands oppose a government provision that loosens immigration requirements for religious leaders, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 71 per cent of respondents think there should not be preferential treatment for any type of religious leader in the country.

Conversely, 15 per cent of respondents are in favour of the idea, and nine per cent would consent to it, provided only Christian priests—and not Muslim imams—are afforded preferential treatment.

Earlier this month, social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner modified existing immigration regulations. The changes make it easier for religious leaders from foreign countries to relocate to the Netherlands.

The new guidelines came into effect in mid-July. Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration opposition Party for Freedom (PvdV), called the new regulations "incomprehensible", adding, "For priests, fine. That is our dominant culture. But we already have enough imams."

Polling Data

Social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner has decided to change the procedure to issue work permits for religious leaders, and make it easier for religious leaders from foreign countries to relocate to the Netherlands. Which of these statements comes closer to your own view?

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