The Dutch justice ministry has dropped plans to introduce a new age limit of 21 for prostitutes but clients and brothels will face prosecution for using younger girls.

Justice minister Ard van der Steur said in a briefing to parliament that leaving the age limit at 18 will make the position of young prostitutes ‘stronger’. This is because it will be easier for them to ask for help if they don’t face the risk of prosecution, the minister said.

National human trafficking experts had also recommended leaving the age limit as it is.

However, clients and brothel owners will face prosecution if they use the services of younger prostitutes, the minister’s new proposals state.

Clients who visit prostitutes who are younger than 21 face up to one year in jail. Pimps and brothel owners will also face prosecution if they employ younger women.