There’s growing backlash against the Dutch government’s proposed changes to asylum laws, and it’s coming from all sides. 👀
This Tuesday (July 1), a majority in the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) just approved one major update to the Netherlands’ asylum laws.
A closer look at the new rules
In addition to making family reunification much harder, the Netherlands will also be introducing a two-status system to process asylum applications. 👇
- Status one: refugees fleeing persecution based on religion, ethnicity, or sexuality
- Status two: refugees fleeing war or natural disasters
Helaas, all asylum seekers falling into the second category will be granted fewer rights and are expected to return to their home countries much sooner.
The one bright light on the horizon, however, is that status one refugees will now receive more protection.
Municipalities fear local chaos
The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) isn’t mincing words. They’ve called the new laws “legally untenable” and warn that they’ll cause chaos for local governments trying to implement them.
Their main concern? The changes risk turning the asylum process into a logistical nightmare, and the VNG says they’ll be taking their complaints straight to the Senate.
READ MORE | The asylum crisis in the Netherlands: here’s the rundown
Refugee Council Netherlands (VluchtelingenWerk) isn’t convinced, either.
In a statement to the NOS, the organisation said, “The asylum laws do not offer concrete solutions to social problems such as the housing shortage, the long waiting times in the asylum procedure and the shortages in asylum reception.”
Children will suffer
Meanwhile, UNICEF Netherlands is especially worried about the impact on children.
Under the new law, foster children might not be allowed to reunite with their foster families in the Netherlands.
Plus, the government’s idea to introduce a ‘dual-status’ system for refugees could leave kids stuck in asylum centres for longer periods, adding instability to already uncertain lives.
Legal experts are speaking out, too. The Association of Asylum Lawyers and Jurists (VAJN) warns that the changes seem designed to trigger chaos and flood the legal system.
In short, the message from those on the ground is clear: this law doesn’t fix the system, it risks breaking it further.
What do you think about the current situation at asylum centres in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
