Nether regions on show
AP
17mar06

THE camera focuses on two gay men kissing in a park. Later, a topless woman emerges from the sea and walks onto a crowded beach.

For would-be immigrants to the Netherlands, this film is a test of their readiness to participate in the liberal Dutch culture.

If they can't stomach it, no need to apply.

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Japan and Switzerland are exempt. Whether or not they find the film offensive, other applicants must buy a copy and watch it, if they hope to pass the Netherlands' new entrance examination.

The test тАУ the first of its kind in the world тАУ became compulsory yesterday and was made available at 138 Dutch embassies around the world.

Taking the exam costs $570, while the price for a preparation package that includes the film, a CD ROM and a photo album of famous Dutch people is $103.

"As of today, immigrants wishing to settle in the Netherlands for, in particular, the purposes of marrying or forming a relationship will be required to take the civic integration examination abroad," the Immigration Ministry said in a statement.

The test is part of a broader crackdown on immigration that has been gathering momentum in the Netherlands since 2001.

Anti-immigration sentiment peaked with filmmaker Theo van Gogh's murder by a Dutch national of Moroccan descent, in November 2004.

Both praise and scorn have poured on Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk, the architect of the new test and other policies that have successfully reduced immigration by at least a third.

"If you pass, you're more than welcome," Ms Verdonk said.

"It is in the interest of Dutch society and those concerned."

Not everyone is happy.

"Today is a black day for the people intending to bring their partners to Holland," said Buitenlandse Partner, a lobbying group for mixed Dutch/immigrant couples.

Dutch theologian Karel Steenbrink criticised the 105-minute movie, saying it would be offensive to some Muslims.

"It is not a prudent way of welcoming people to the Netherlands," he said.

EU nationals, asylum-seekers and skilled workers who earn more than $73,500 a year will not be required to take the 30-minute computerised exam.

A censored version with no homosexual and nude material had been prepared since "it's unlawful to show them in Iran," and some other countries, filmmaker Walter Goverde said.

"With all the respect I have for all religions I think people need to understand that Holland has its own liberal side as well," Goverde said.

After viewing the film applicants are then quizzed on important Dutch facts such as the number of provinces that make up the Netherlands

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