As part of a series of strict new asylum measures, the Dutch government plans to reintroduce border checks by the end of November.
Yes, you read that right. This decision was reached following negotiations between the PVV, NSC, and Prime Minister Schoof, and was detailed in a draft letter which was seen by the NOS.
The reintroduction of border controls is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at revamping the Dutch asylum system, which Schoof has called “unsustainable” in its current form.
Efforts to reduce illegal immigration
The goal of reintroducing border checks in the Netherlands is to reduce the number of asylum-seeking migrants entering the country.
The plan is especially targeted towards migrants who have already applied for asylum in other European countries like Germany or Belgium.
By invoking Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, the Dutch government aims to return this category of asylum-seekers to the countries where they first submitted their requests.
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This move is part of the government’s plan to curb asylum applications amid what Prime Minister Schoof has called an “asylum crisis” — but how exactly these border checks would be handled is unclear.
Far-reaching asylum rules
The reintroduction of border controls is just one part of a broader set of reforms, and other proposed measures could have far-reaching consequences.
One of the proposed changes would abolish indefinite asylum permits and reduce temporary permits from five to three years, bringing the Netherlands more in line with other European countries.
The law also proposes blocking adult children and unmarried partners of asylum seekers from joining them in the Netherlands.
READ MORE | The asylum crisis in the Netherlands: here’s the rundown
Other measures include reducing the intake of UN refugees, simplifying deportations after criminal convictions, and scrapping the requirement for municipalities to provide housing to refugees with residency permits.
The coalition parties are discussing these ideas today at the Catshuis (the official residence of the Dutch prime minister), under Schoof’s leadership. If the BBB and VVD agree to the plans, the cabinet is expected to decide on them next Friday.
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