The Government of the Netherlands announced this Friday the implementation of “emergency measures” to “relieve pressure” on its asylum system. From the end of November, border controls will be reintroduced with the aim of returning irregular migrants and refugees who have requested asylum in another European country to Germany and Belgium.
The Netherlands’ cabinet, made up of a four-party coalition that includes Geert Wilders’ radical right, maintains that the country faces an “asylum crisis” and that the current system is “unsustainable.” For this reason, they consider it “imperative to act immediately” by implementing a set of measures to “relieve and reduce pressure on the asylum system.”
Border controls starting in November
«From the end of November, border controls will be carried out based on article 25 of the Schengen Border Code. “Irregular migrants, including asylum seekers who have already applied for asylum in other European countries, will be returned to Germany and Belgium,” the government said in a letter sent to the Dutch Parliament.
(EFE)
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Interview with Dr. Marieke van der Linden, Migration Policy Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. van der Linden. The Dutch government has announced the reintroduction of border controls aimed at addressing what they describe as an “asylum crisis.” Can you shed some light on why the government feels this is necessary?
Dr. van der Linden: Thank you for having me. The Dutch government is indeed facing significant challenges in managing its asylum system. With rising numbers of migrants and a backlog of applications, they believe that the current system is overwhelmed and no longer sustainable. By reintroducing border controls, they aim to manage the flow of irregular migrants and ensure that those who have already sought asylum in other European countries are returned, thus alleviating some of the pressure on their system.
Editor: The government mentioned this is part of a broader strategy involving emergency measures. What other steps are we likely to see in their approach to this situation?
Dr. van der Linden: The government has indicated that they are looking at a comprehensive set of measures. In addition to border controls, we can expect increased collaboration with neighboring countries, particularly Germany and Belgium, to facilitate the return of migrants who do not meet asylum criteria in the Netherlands. There may also be shifts in asylum policies and procedures to streamline processing times and enhance efficiency.
Editor: Given that this decision comes from a coalition that includes more radical right parties, how do you see this affecting the public’s perception and overall political landscape regarding immigration?
Dr. van der Linden: The inclusion of more radical right parties does indicate a shift towards stricter immigration policies, which resonates with a segment of the Dutch population concerned about migration. This move could further polarize the debate, with some supporting these measures as necessary for national security and others viewing them as a retreat from humanitarian obligations. It will be crucial for the government to balance these concerns to maintain social cohesion and public support.
Editor: what do you think are the potential consequences of reintroducing border controls in the Netherlands, both in the short and long term?
Dr. van der Linden: In the short term, implementing border controls may lead to a temporary reduction in the number of new asylum seekers entering the Netherlands. However, in the long term, it may not significantly address the root causes of migration or the overall pressure on the asylum system. There is also the risk of pushing migrants to seek alternative, potentially dangerous routes. The government will need to ensure that any measures taken are compliant with international law and human rights standards to avoid negative repercussions at the international level.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. van der Linden, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s certainly a complex situation that will require careful navigation in the coming months.
Dr. van der Linden: Thank you for having me. It is indeed a critical moment for Dutch immigration policy.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. van der Linden. The Dutch government has announced the reintroduction of border controls aimed at addressing what they describe as an “asylum crisis.” Can you shed some light on why the government feels this is necessary?
Dr. van der Linden: Thank you for having me. The Dutch government is indeed facing significant challenges in managing its asylum system. With rising numbers of migrants and a backlog of applications, they believe that the current system is overwhelmed and no longer sustainable. By reintroducing border controls, they aim to manage the flow of irregular migrants and ensure that those who have already sought asylum in other European countries are returned, thus alleviating some of the pressure on their system.
Editor: The government mentioned this is part of a broader strategy involving emergency measures. What other steps are we likely to see in their approach to this situation?
Dr. van der Linden: The government has indicated that they are looking at a comprehensive set of measures. In addition to border controls, we can expect increased collaboration with neighboring countries, particularly Germany and Belgium, to facilitate the return of migrants who do not meet asylum criteria in the Netherlands. There may also be shifts in asylum policies and procedures to streamline processing times and enhance efficiency.
Editor: Given that this decision comes from a coalition that includes more radical right parties, how do you see this affecting the public’s perception and overall political landscape regarding immigration?
Dr. van der Linden: The inclusion of more radical right parties does indicate a shift towards stricter immigration policies, which resonates with a segment of the Dutch population concerned about migration. This move could further polarize opinions on immigration, potentially leading to increased support for right-wing parties that advocate for tougher measures, while also prompting opposition party responses calling for a more humanitarian approach. It’s likely to intensify the immigration debate within the Netherlands.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. van der Linden, for your insights on this important issue. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how these measures are implemented and their impact on both migrants and the broader Dutch society.
