Dear UENL Supporter –
 
First, let me thank you for the support you have shown UENL in the past several months. As you know, despite our best efforts at diplomacy, the 2019 Proposed Tax Plan (which was released on 18 September) does not include transition measures for the #30Rule. At UENL, we find this to be a harsh and unfair policy that will dramatically affect the lives of thousands of expats and their families. Even more, we question whether the government can legally propose such legislation without transitional measures.
 
Thanks to supporters such as yourself, we were able to hire Tom Barkhuysen of the law firm Stibbe to produce a legal document (often referred to as a legal opinion) to investigate whether the Government can legally implement the proposed changes to the 30% rule without transitional measures. In short – they cannot.
 
The results of the Legal Document indicate that this policy violates Dutch law, disproportionately harms international families, and is contrary to the goals of fostering a better business climate in the Netherlands. More specifically, the document concludes that the proposal is contrary to the principles of legal certainty, predictability, and proportionality. Even more, the lack of transition measures is in direct conflict with the Staatssecretaris’s own published policy on transitional law in tax legislation and with the principles of due diligence and justification. Thus, the proposal is unlikely to meet judicial scrutiny should it go into law
 
What now?
 
This document has been provided to Parliament last week by UENL, and in our communication, we call on Parliament to adopt the conclusions of the legal document by upholding the existing terms promised to current recipients of the #30Rule. We are also working with members of the press to ensure that our voice and the results of this legal document are heard loudly. This is a fast moving situation, but we will continue to keep our supporters updated via our Facebook Page and through our website.
 
Interested to read the legal document?
 
The legal document is publicly available. You can find the Dutch version of the document on our website (www.adealisdeal.nl). An English Summary is available as well, but the full English translation is coming soon. 
 
Questions?
 
We are happy to answer any questions that you might have. We have a comprehensive FAQ on our website that can be a good starting point, but if your answer is not found, please do go ahead and use the Contact Us option on our website and we will respond as quickly as we can (please keep in mind we have real jobs, too!).
 
Again, thank you for your support. This initiative would not be possible without every single contributor and supporter. Let's hope Parliament will soon come to the realization that harming their own international employees, by backing out on their promises to us, is not the way to create a trustworthy business climate here in The Netherlands.  Honor your commitments to us, and show the rest of the world that in The Netherlands, a deal is a deal. 
 
On behalf of the entire UENL Board,
 
Mike
Founder & Marketing Chair
UENL Stichting