The Dutch government is considering issuing a new law banning prostitutes under the age of 21 and granting new licenses for practice in this area.

Legal work permits will soon be granted to all prostitutes to regulate the sex industry and combat human trafficking, a Dutch government statement on October 15 said.

Unlicensed sex workers are illegal and it is also illegal for clients who buy sex from them. It is also against the law to act as an unlawful broker, transporter and guarantor for prostitutes.

Approximately 12-18 city governments will be granted this license, and prostitutes will not be restricted from operating in certain areas once they are licensed. In addition, under the new law, people under the age of 21 will be banned from selling sex.

The legal reform on prostitution takes place as the Netherlands strives to improve the living conditions of sex workers and deal with human trafficking. The country has legalized prostitution since 2000, but prostitutes must register with the local chamber of commerce and pay income tax.

However, officials are increasingly concerned about the industry's uncontrollable development, especially with the advent of social networks and the Internet, the tool many prostitutes use to find clients.

In Amsterdam alone, where the famous red light district is located, there are about 7,000 sex workers and 75% of them come from low-income countries, especially eastern Europe.

In August, Femke Halsema, the first female mayor of Amsterdam, announced plans to remove the city's famous red-light district and move prostitutes out of this place to prevent the risk of abuse and trafficking. people. However, the plan faces strong opposition from people working in the sex industry.