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The Compulsory Identification Act

How does the Compulsory Identification Act affect your organisation? This law states that anyone over the age of fourteen must be able to identify themselves with a valid identity document. That also applies to the workplace. In this blog, we explain what this act means for you and your organisation.

Compulsory Identification Act

This act states that there is a duty to show, meaning you are only obligated to show a proof of identity. If you do not have a valid identity document, this is considered a criminal offence. The identification obligation consists of three different parts:  the duty to verify, retention obligation and duty of care.

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The duty to verify

Employers are required by the duty to verify to check the identity document of a new employee. The specified proof of identity must be checked for authenticity and validity.

The retention obligation

The retention obligation is a legal obligation to retain a copy of the identity document of all employed staff. This copy should be kept for at least five years after the end of employment in case an audit is conducted.

The duty of care

The duty of care reminds employees to carry their proof of identity with them at all times, including in the workplace. A valid proof of identity can be a passport, ID card, but also a Dutch or European driving licence.

When the employee is going to sign a contract at your company, a Dutch or European driving licence does not suffice as a valid proof of identity. This is because it does not contain details of residence status and nationality.

Different types of identity documents

There are several documents that count as valid identity documents in the Netherlands. These include:

  1. Passport
  2. Dutch identity card
  3. ID card or passport from an EEA country
  4. And a Dutch foreigner’s document

In addition, a (European) driving licence is also a valid proof of identity in some cases. Circumstances in which a (European) driving license falls short are those in which details of residence status and nationality are required. This is because these are not mentioned on a (European) driving licence. This applies, for example, when enrolling for a course at an educational institution, domestic alien supervision, joining a new employer, a benefit application or the Tax Office (unless otherwise indicated).

Background checks by Validata

Validata’s Identity check is one of the most frequently performed background checks. Besides checking the identity, it is also very important to be sure of your candidate’s work experience. By having Validata perform the work experience check, you can be sure that your candidate has the experience required for the position. By doing so, you can ensure integrity among your employees. Besides the identity and work experience check, Validata offers many other checks, for example:

  • Education check
  • Statement of integrity
  • Credit check

 

View all background checks

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