Organ donation is not the first topic that comes to mind when a highly skilled migrant or expat moves to the Netherlands. Employers may also not touch upon this topic. However, that doesn’t make it any less important.
The current Dutch legislation states that everyone over the age of 18 must be registered in the Donor Register. This register records the choice to donate or not donate organs and tissues after death. This law also applies to foreigners in the Netherlands. Once they have been living in the Netherlands for 3 years, they will receive a request to fill in their choice in the Donor Register. Of course, it is possible to give the choice earlier.
If an expat, highly skilled migrant, or other newcomer is not yet registered in the Donor Register, family members will make decisions about organ and tissue donation.
Please note: if a choice is not made in the Donor Register, the person will be registered as ‘no objection to organ donation’. In other words, permission has been given to donate organs and tissues.
Donation is only possible if someone dies in the hospital in an intensive care unit. The doctor will first discuss the choice with the family members. If family members can prove that the deceased did not want to be an organ donor, the donation can be cancelled.
Is your choice not yet registered in the Donor Register? Do this quickly with DigiD via: https://mijn.donorregister.nl/#!/login
Not yet in possession of a DigiD? Forms are available at municipalities and libraries.
In below video, a detailed explanation is provided about the registration process: https://www.donorregister.nl/documenten/videos/2019/06/28/how-to-registrate—english