The Netherlands is taking unprecedented action to shut off migration into the country.
The country’s government announced plans on Friday to combat the growing number of asylum seekers, which has increased during recent years.
Last year, just under 50,000 people sought asylum in the Netherlands, according to the Asylum Information Database. That figure represents an uptick from about 35,000 in 2022.
“The Netherlands cannot handle the high numbers of migrants,” officials announced in a statement, according to an AI-generated translation of the original Dutch. “Asylum reception is overcrowded, procedures are taking too long, and costs are skyrocketing. Additionally, the ongoing influx of asylum seekers is causing issues in housing, healthcare, and education.”
“To regain control of the situation, this government is implementing the strictest asylum regime ever. … By limiting inflow, speeding up procedures, taking immediate action against offenders, tightening border control, restricting family reunification options, and focusing heavily on returns, the Netherlands aims to become a leader in Europe regarding admission rules,” the statement continued.
Migration Minister Marjolein Faber said the need for action was conveyed by a “clear mandate” from voters.
“We must change course and immediately reduce the inflow,” Faber said. “We are taking measures to make the Netherlands as unattractive as possible for asylum seekers. And for those who abuse our hospitality, there is no place here. I am committed to a safer Netherlands.”
Moreover, government officials announced the Netherlands has plans to opt out of the European Union’s asylum and migration policy. Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced Friday that the request will be sent to the European Commission in Brussels next week.
“We cannot continue to bear the large influx of migrants to our country. People are experiencing an asylum crisis,” Schoof said, per POLITICO.
"We have adopted legislation, you don't opt out of adopted legislation in the EU, that is a general principle," EU spokesman Eric Mamer said, according to Reuters.
The outlet cites Eurostat data that shows the northwestern European country received two applications from first-time asylum seekers per 1,000 residents last year.
Under the new guidance, Faber will work with Schoof will activate emergency laws allowing the government to deviate from the Aliens Act, which was established in 2000. Moving forward, adult children will not be permitted to join their families, the content of repeated asylum applications will receive a stricter review, and seekers who miss hearings or appointments will be rejected.
“Strict conditions will be applied to family reunification and the core family definition will be as narrow as possible,” the statement added. “Family reunification will only be possible for the vast majority of asylum seekers when someone has a permanent residence, a suitable income, and a residence status for at least 2 years.”
In addition, asylum seekers will no longer receive an automatic, indefinite permit after five years, meaning they “must return to their country of origin once it is safe.”
“Opposition members have already lashed out at Faber’s plan to trigger an emergency law to speed up her migration plans as ‘anti-democratic,’” POLITICO reports. “The Dutch Council for Refugees said Thursday that it was ‘deeply concerned’ that ‘refugees would pay a high price’ for the measures."