| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,023,304[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
Asians in the Netherlands (Dutch:Aziaten in Nederland), also referred to asAsian Dutch (Aziatische Nederlanders) orDutch Asians (Nederlandse Aziaten), are citizens or residents of theNetherlands whose ancestry traces back toAsia. The majority of Dutch Asians hail fromTurkey andIndonesia of which the latter was a formerDutch colony and from countries such asSyria,China,Iraq,India,Afghanistan,Iran,Pakistan,Philipphines,Vietnam,Thailand andHong Kong.[2]
There is also a sizable community ofAsian Caribbeans who hail from the former and present Dutch overseas territories which includeSuriname and the formerNetherlands Antilles; nowCuraçao,Aruba,Bonaire,Sint Maarten,Sint Eustatius andSaba. These are mainly from Suriname and includeIndian,Javanese andChinese Surinamese people.[3][4]
Racism and discrimination against Asians has persisted since the establishment of former Dutch colonies, likeSuriname.[5]
According to a study commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs, over one-third of Dutch individuals of East and Southeast Asian origin roots experienced discrimination during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Individuals reported incidents of verbal abuse, exclusion, and discrimination, particularly in public spaces, education, and workplaces, leading to negative psychological outcomes, societal isolation, and distrust of authorities. The findings highlight long-standing discrimination, despite the perception of these groups as amodel minority.[6]
Local councillors in Amsterdam and The Hague have raised awareness about the racial slur, "coolie," (koelie), used to refer to Asianindentured labourers in Suriname after theabolition of slavery. In June 2023, a judge ruled that it was used in an insulting way and fined a man €150 for the comment online. Councillors advocate for educational campaigns to inform students about its harmful impact, hoping to reduce its casual use in schools and public spaces.[5]