Amsterdam: The Dutch government announced plans today to criminalize visiting prostitutes who are not officially licensed.

The Justice Ministry said the move to punish clients is necessary to force better compliance with the country's legalized prostitution policy.

At the same time, authorities will force prostitutes to be registered in a national database "before they may offer sexual services."

"There are still too many problems in the prostitution sector, including human trafficking," the Justice Ministry said in a statement.

Prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 2000,when a long-standing tolerance policy was formalized.

However, registration rules that are currently only followed by brothels and some large escort agencies will be enforced for all sex workers, including "freelance" prostitutes, the ministry said.

Prostitutes will need to offer a fixed address and telephone number, and clients will be able to ask for proof of registration in order to avoid prosecution.

The plans follow similar moves in the city of Amsterdam, which has been cracking down on criminality and prostitution in its famed Red Light District for several years.

Source : PTI