On May 1, 2023, Saman Hassan was appointed police sector head of the North and East Gelderland district in the Netherlands, a remarkable achievement for someone who was granted asylum in the country in 1998.
“I came to the Netherlands from Sulaymaniyah when I was 24 years old. I grew up in Kurdistan, finished secondary school there, and joined the Asayish (the Kurdish security and intelligence agency),” Hassan told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“I worked as an Asayish officer in Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Halabja, Soran, and Ranya from 1993 to 1997, when the civil war escalated between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). I never believed in the civil war or actively participated in it. Therefore, I decided to leave.”
Hassan initially wanted to go to Europe and ended up in the Netherlands through a smuggler. “At the time, I knew very little about the country except for Friesian cows.”
In the Netherlands, he ended up in the province of Groningen near the German border. “A journalist once interviewed me and asked about my vision for the future and my aspirations in the Netherlands. I responded by expressing my desire to work with the police in a few years, with the aim of making a positive contribution to society. My ultimate goal was to hold a leadership position and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Saman Hassan proudly adorned in his distinguished police uniform
A few years later, Hassan approached the mayor of Groningen and chief of the police in Friesland to seek assistance in applying for a job with the Dutch police. “At that time, I did not possess Dutch nationality, and I was awaiting the issuance of my Dutch passport. To ensure my acceptance into the police force, I devised a plan and also engaged in work related to socio-legal services. Interestingly, the region I currently lead is the same area where I sought asylum back in 1998.”
“It was a long and challenging journey as it took me five to six years to obtain a residency permit after years of hard work and completing my education. Once I finally secured my residency permit and obtained Dutch nationality, I had the necessary documentation to fulfill my dream of joining the police force. In 2007, this dream became a reality when I was accepted into the police academy,” he added.
Integration not assimilation
During his interview with Kurdistan Chronicle, Hassan took care to share a perspective that he believed could be helpful for Dutch Kurds. “Kurds sometimes think that if they come to Europe they will lose their own identity, culture, and values. I am proof that those two worlds can coexist perfectly. I told myself early that I have to respect Dutch rules and values.”
“I fled Kurdistan, so this is my house; I had to follow its rules and values. It’s about integration, not assimilation,” he said.
Nonetheless, he noted that a significant portion of Kurds, upon their arrival in the Netherlands, harbor concerns about preserving their identity and tend to adhere to outdated, conservative values.
“Some Dutch Kurds aspire to return to Kurdistan one day and often hold onto their Kurdish identity and traditions rather than embracing Dutch norms and values. However, this mindset can lead to difficulties in integrating into Dutch society and finding long-term happiness here, as many ultimately do not return to Kurdistan,” he warned.
“They resist letting their daughters go swimming or allowing their wives to shop alone, adhering to norms that have even evolved in Kurdistan itself,” he pointed out.
However, Hassan also emphasized that this phenomenon is not unique, as Dutch individuals exhibit similar behavior when they migrate to Africa, Australia, or America. “Upon one’s migration to the Netherlands, it is crucial to prioritize the immediate embrace of Dutch norms, values, and the language as integral components of your life,” he advised.
Hassan also married a Dutch woman, who he met during his student days and with whom he now has two children. “My wife has been to Kurdistan at least 16 to 17 times, with my family-in-law and children also visiting.”
“I spent 24 years of my life in Kurdistan and another 23 years in the Netherlands. I make two trips to Kurdistan every year, during which I have undertaken numerous projects for the police and various organizations that are funded by my own resources and driven by my passion. To this day, I continue to contribute in various ways,” he said.
He emphasized the significance of understanding that integration into Dutch society does not entail forfeiting one’s Kurdish identity. “It’s important to note that one doesn’t exclude the other. My advice to Kurds living in the Netherlands is to prioritize learning the language and completing their education. This provides them with the ability to make informed decisions about their future.”
“If you choose not to pursue a path like mine, you can always consider returning to Kurdistan. In fact, I could have also returned and pursued a career in Kurdistan,” he added. “It’s essential to strike a balance between preserving your heritage and embracing the culture of your host country.”
Saman Hassan captured alongside Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Royal invite
Due to his achievements, Hassan received an invitation from the Dutch royal family to attend a Christmas reception in 2016. “The selection criteria are not disclosed, but they do mention that individuals are chosen for their contributions to the Dutch state and for my work in promoting diversity, addressing the refugee crisis, and tackling radicalization.”
During the reception, he had the privilege of meeting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, members of the cabinet, and leaders of various political parties in the Dutch parliament.
In addition, the entire royal family graced the event, including Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and other family members.
“We engaged in numerous discussions, and I had a particularly meaningful conversation with Mark Rutte about Kurdistan; he was remarkably well-informed. Such experiences are truly rare.”
Hassan, now with several years of experience in the police, is currently in charge of leading police operations in 22 different municipalities. Additionally, he has received offers to assume the role of a mayor.
Speaking about his future, he stated, “I am uncertain about my career path ahead, but with 18 years of experience in the police, I continue to find it fulfilling. Although I’ve been approached several times to enter politics, I have declined those offers because my passion lies in continuing my work in the police.”
Wladimir van Wilgenburg is a seasoned reporter and analyst who specializes in Kurdish affairs, and holds a Master’s degree in Kurdish studies from Exeter University.
