ANPA asylum seekers at the asylum center in Ter Apel
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 21:17
For the whole of 2023, the number of first asylum requests amounted to 48,500. If current developments continue, there will be fewer in 2024. That is less than the government’s forecasts. Last spring, it was expected that between 49,800 and 78,500 asylum seekers would come to the Netherlands this year.
The decrease fits in with a broader European trend. Figures from the International Organization for Migration show that this year so far 154,000 people crossed the Mediterranean. In the whole of 2023 there were almost 293,000, which is quite an outlier compared to the multi-year average.
Strictest asylum policy ever
Migrants from the Mediterranean often travel to countries elsewhere in Europe before applying for asylum. These numbers are also in many countries lower than last year and this also applies to the European Union as a whole.
It is not entirely clear why this is the case. Deals on ‘reception in the region’, such as the Tunisia deal, could play a role. Although there are major concerns about the living conditions of migrants, the deal does lead to fewer migrants coming across the Mediterranean to Europe.
It is not possible to say from the figures whether the number of asylum seekers in the Netherlands is declining due to the strict asylum policy that the cabinet announced when it took office. In neighboring countries, such as Belgium, Germany and France, no major deviations have been seen in recent months. Moreover, stricter asylum measures have also recently come into force or been announced in those countries. When it comes to the influx of asylum seekers, the Netherlands has been in the European middle bracket for years.
Small role for asylum policy
The Verwey-Jonker Institute concluded more than a year ago that there is no scientific evidence that migrants and refugees come here because of Dutch asylum policy. Maastricht University also previously concluded that asylum policy only plays a small role for asylum seekers and their choice of destination.
Asylum seekers have limited options for choosing the country where they apply for asylum. Safety plays the most important role in an asylum seeker’s choice to flee their country. Where someone ultimately applies for asylum has to do with network, infrastructure and financial resources. During migration, the country of destination can still change, for example due to a chance meeting with a person offering help.
After-travellers
2,650 also arrived in the third quarter of 2024 ‘following travelers’ to the Netherlands. These are people who travel after family who have already settled in the Netherlands. That is almost the same as the same quarter a year earlier, but slightly less than in the second quarter of this year. The number of follow-up travelers per quarter has fluctuated between approximately 1,500 and 3,000 in recent years, with some upward peaks.
Most of the family members traveling behind came from Syria: 1,915 people. Syrians are also at the top of the ‘first asylum applications’, followed by Turks and Eritreans. The government wants to discourage asylum applications from Syria by declaring parts of that country safe. However, there are still many snags.
Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands: A Rollercoaster of Numbers and Policies
Welcome, folks! Today we’re diving headfirst into the intriguing world of asylum seekers in the Netherlands—a world filled with numbers, policies, and perhaps a splash of confusion, much like trying to read IKEA instructions without the picture. You know what I mean? Let’s get into it!
Numbers on the Rise: Or Are They?
First up, let’s talk about those figures that have everyone scratching their heads. In 2023, the number of first asylum applications stood at a grand total of 48,500—a figure that seems to treat the government’s original forecasts like a bad date. Imagine predicting 49,800 to 78,500 asylum seekers, and you barely scrape by with the lower end! It’s like saying it’s going to rain frogs and then completely missing the mark with just a light drizzle of cordiality.
Now, the plot thickens. This decline isn’t just a local trend; it aligns with a broader roll of the dice across Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 154,000 people crossed the Mediterranean this year, with a total reaching nearly 293,000—a number that resembles a blockbuster movie’s opening weekend rather than a migration statistic.
Strict Asylum Policies: The Dutch Heavyweight Champion
What’s that? The Netherlands now has the strictest asylum policy ever? Yes, dear reader, we’re not just making headlines; we’re making a *statement*. But hold your applause. While strict policies are meant to keep the numbers down, it seems everyone else in the neighborhood is tightening their belts, too—hello, Belgium, Germany, and France! It’s almost like an austerity club for nations; nobody gets to have fun!
The real head-scratcher is why the numbers are dropping. Is it the tough love from Dutch leaders? Or could it be the new ‘reception in the region’ deals, like the one with Tunisia, making it less appealing for migrants to hop on inflatable rafts and create a new career as professional swimmers? Who knows! It’s as clear as mud!
Evidence or Just Guesswork?
Before we start putting together a conspiracy theory, science steps in. The Verwey-Jonker Institute, which sounds as serious as it gets, concluded that there’s not a shred of scientific evidence proving that migrants choose their destinations based on Dutch asylum policies. It’s similar to saying someone picked a restaurant based on the color of its napkins—perhaps not the most substantial factor, eh?
The ‘Follow-Travelers’ Phenomenon: A Family Affair
Let’s not forget the family reunification crowd, the ‘after-travelers’! A whopping 2,650 arrived in the third quarter of 2024, following family that’s already settled here. Talk about loyalty! They’re trekking across borders as if they’re part of one big happy family reunion. Interestingly, the majority come from Syria, followed closely by Turks and Eritreans. But don’t be fooled—while the government tries to declare parts of Syria “safe,” it seems it’s as safe as a dive into a shark tank without a safety net!
The Bottom Line
So, where does all this leave us? We’re in a bit of a conundrum, folks. The Netherlands finds itself in the European middle bracket for asylum seekers whilst juggling strict policies and fluctuating numbers. It’s like trying to balance on a seesaw while also juggling flaming swords—exciting but fraught with risk!
As we wrap up this little excursion into asylum policy, let’s remember: behind each number is a story, and many of those stories are as complex as a sitcom plotline—filled with unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and occasionally, a punchline or two.
Whether you’re rooting for more leniency or stricter rules, one thing’s clear: staying informed is the best way to navigate this rollercoaster. And let’s face it, we’re all just along for the ride!
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 21:17
In 2023, the Netherlands received a total of 48,500 first-time asylum applications, a significant figure that reflects ongoing global migration trends. Current projections suggest that the number of asylum seekers is likely to decrease in 2024, straying from previous government predictions which forecasted that between 49,800 and 78,500 individuals would seek asylum this year.
The observed decline in asylum requests aligns with a wider trend across Europe. Data published by the International Organization for Migration indicates that approximately 154,000 individuals have crossed the Mediterranean so far this year. Last year’s total reached nearly 293,000, marking an anomalous spike in comparison to the long-term average of migrant arrivals.
Strictest asylum policy ever
Many migrants making their way from the Mediterranean often pass through various European nations before they apply for asylum, reflecting complex migration patterns. Notably, asylum application numbers have largely declined across several countries, indicating a broader decline across the European Union.
While it remains uncertain why asylum applications have tapered off, agreements aimed at ‘regional reception’, such as the deal with Tunisia, may be influential. Despite grave concerns about the conditions faced by migrants, such deals could be contributing to the observed reduction in arrivals across the Mediterranean route.
The connection between the declining asylum seeker numbers in the Netherlands and the government’s recently announced stringent asylum policies remains unclear. In neighboring nations such as Belgium, Germany, and France, the trends have shown no significant fluctuations in recent months, despite the introduction of new, stricter asylum measures in those countries as well. The Netherlands has historically positioned itself in the European middle bracket regarding the influx of asylum seekers.
Small role for asylum policy
Research from the Verwey-Jonker Institute over a year ago indicated there is no scientific evidence suggesting that Dutch asylum policies serve as a driving factor for migrants and refugees choosing the Netherlands as their destination. Similarly, a study by Maastricht University found that asylum policy holds only a marginal influence over asylum seekers’ decisions on where to apply.
Factors such as safety emerge as the most critical determinants guiding an asylum seeker’s choice to flee their homeland. Ultimately, their destination for asylum often depends on an array of considerations, including social networks, available infrastructure, and financial resources. During their journey, a potential change in destination can occur, often triggered by unexpected encounters with individuals offering assistance.
After-travellers
In the third quarter of 2024, 2,650 individuals categorized as ‘following travelers’ arrived in the Netherlands, showing resilience in family reunification trends. These travelers often join family members who have already settled in the country. This figure mirrors last year’s numbers for the same quarter but indicates a slight decrease compared to the second quarter of this year. The quarterly statistics on follow-up travelers have displayed fluctuations between approximately 1,500 and 3,000 in recent years, with notable peaks.
The majority of follow-up travelers hailed from Syria, with 1,915 individuals making the journey. Additionally, Syrians appear to be the largest group applying for asylum for the first time, followed closely by Turks and Eritreans. The Dutch government seeks to deter asylum applications from Syrian nationals by designating parts of the country as ‘safe’; however, numerous challenges remain to be addressed in this approach.
