Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Raad van State (Netherlands) lodged on 20 October 2010 — Staatssecretaris van Justitie v M. Singh

(Case C-502/10)

()

2010/C 346/61

Language of the case: Dutch

Referring court

Raad van State

Parties to the main proceedings

Appellant: Staatssecretaris van Justitie

Other party: M. Singh

Question referred

Is the concept of formally limited residence permit within the meaning of Article 3(2)(e) of Council Directive 2003/109/EC (1) of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents to be interpreted as including a fixed-period residence permit which, under Netherlands law, does not offer any prospect of a residence permit of indefinite duration, even if, under Netherlands law, the period of validity of the fixed-period residence permit can in principle be extended indefinitely and also if a particular group of people, such as spiritual leaders and religious teachers, are thereby excluded from the application of the Directive?

(1)  OJ 2004 L 16, p. 44.