If you’re reading this, chances are high that you’re an international in the Netherlands. Well, according to the programme of the Dutch party NSC (New Social Contract), people like you (and me!) may soon be a rarity.
The party led by Pieter Omtzigt presented its programme on Tuesday morning in The Hague. One of the more controversial policies that was shared concerns the Dutch migration balance (in other words: us immigrants).
More specifically, Omtzigt believes that the Netherlands should stick to a target number of 50,000 immigrants entering the country per year. This concerns migrant workers, asylum seekers, and international students.
Why this strict limit?
It’s no secret that the Netherlands is struggling with its high influx of migrants — just think of the extreme housing shortage.
As de Volkskrant writes, Pieter Omtzigt believes that his proposal could keep the size of the Dutch population below 20 million by 2050. For reference, the current population is just under 18 million (17,944,800).
READ MORE | The asylum crisis in the Netherlands: here’s the rundown
Currently, an average of 70 to 100 thousand migrants come to the Netherlands each year. In 2022, these numbers were significantly higher, with a migration balance of 224 thousand people, including 100 thousand Ukrainian refugees.
To limit the number of migrant workers, the AD writes, Omtzigt wants to cut tax benefits such as the 30% ruling. The number of international students will also be reduced by reintroducing Dutch as the main teaching language at Dutch universities.
There is no question that NSC’s proposed policies on migration would significantly reduce the number of people settling in the country — be it for asylum, education, or work.
Leading the polls
Following the collapse of Mark Rutte’s coalition in July, a new Dutch parliament will be elected on 22 November 2023. The NSC is currently in first place in the polls.
In case you couldn’t have guessed: the party’s position on immigration appeals mostly to the right-leaning side of the Chamber.
That being said, Pieter Omtzigt does represent relatively balanced politics and wouldn’t be considered a member of the far-right himself. He mostly wants to focus on reorganising the Dutch governmental system.
Many of his party’s ideas about livelihood find great support among left-wing voters.
What do you think about the NSC’s proposed immigration policy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
I think he’s being a politician: making false promises to the growing group of right and far-right voters but while taking the risk to alienate a small proportion of left voters who do care about humane asylum politics.
Thank the last 12 years of Rutte for this. He has a big share in the sh*t Omtzigt wants to solve.
Rutte (and his kabinet) have been letting people in easily. And that’s more then fine. But if you get people in and take there taxes, you also have to take care of what all your citizens, old and new, need. They just totally forgot about that.
Don’t blame Omtzigt for wanting to clean up the house.