The Dutch authorities have unveiled an updated program that envisages significant changes in the field of migration, aiming to significantly reduce the inflow of migrants and strengthen control over asylum. Find out more about what awaits refugees in the country

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The Dutch government has presented a large-scale program aimed at significantly tightening migration rules. This was announced by Prime Minister Dick Schof.

The Netherlands introduces new strict migration restrictions: details

After the far-right Freedom Party of Geert Wilders came to power, the Netherlands announced one of the toughest anti-immigration programs in the European Union.

The new policy envisages significant changes in the field of migration, including enhanced border checks.

The measures proposed by the government include reducing opportunities for family reunification, prohibiting, in particular, adult children from joining their parents. Particular attention will be paid to speeding up the deportation of those who are not eligible for asylum and to changing housing legislation to avoid giving asylum seekers priority access to social housing.

The Minister of Migration and Asylum, Marjolein Faber of the Freedom Party, said that her goal is to introduce “the strictest asylum policy in the history of the Netherlands.”

She explained that the new emergency law to be adopted would allow the government to take decisive action without the need to obtain parliamentary approval.

As you know, the far-right Freedom Party won almost a quarter of the seats in parliament in the November elections last year, which was the result of growing support among voters concerned about migration issues. The appointment of Faber as Minister of Migration was an important political step in the implementation of this program.

Prime Minister Dick Schof, defending the new tough measures, said that the Netherlands could no longer tolerate a “large flow of migrants” and planned to ask the European Commission for a temporary waiver from the EU's common migration policy.

According to him, reducing the number of asylum seekers is a necessary step to ensure the population's access to housing, healthcare and education.

"Even if we start acting today, everything will not be solved tomorrow. We have to make decisions for our children and grandchildren," the Prime Minister said.

The main provisions of the new program:

- Suspension of asylum applications. The government will temporarily stop making decisions on new applications.
- Abolition of the law on the even distribution of migrants, which will avoid pressure on certain regions.
- Toughening the conditions of admission. Re-applications for asylum will be considered more strictly, with stricter criteria.
- Restrictions on family reunification. Adult children will no longer be able to reunite with their parents.
- Stricter requirements for naturalization. The language level for citizenship is raised to B1, and the waiting period is increased from 5 to 10 years.

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Changes for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands

The program also provides for new requirements for displaced persons from Ukraine:

- Financial independence. From the summer of 2024, the accommodation allowance will be terminated if the person receives income. Displaced persons will be required to contribute financially to their living expenses.
- Strict control. The government will strictly monitor compliance with the terms of the Temporary Protection Directive concerning displaced persons from Ukraine.

Housing crisis and infrastructure plans

The government pays considerable attention to the housing crisis. Currently, about 40,000 asylum seekers arrive in the country every year, which puts additional pressure on the housing market. The Cabinet of Ministers plans to build or vacate 100,000 apartments annually over the next five years, allocating 5 billion euros for this purpose. Another 2.5 billion euros will be spent on infrastructure development to improve access to new housing projects.

Education and Dutchization

The program also provides for a number of changes in education. The Dutch government plans to limit the use of English in universities, except for a few faculties, and reduce the number of foreign students. However, some large international companies operating in the Netherlands have already expressed concern about this step.

Defense and other initiatives

In the defense sector, the Netherlands will continue to spend 2% of its GDP and support Ukraine “financially, politically, and morally”.

In addition, the government plans to toughen penalties for terrorism-related crimes and is considering holding parents accountable for crimes committed by their children.

The program also includes an end to unwanted foreign aid to companies, foundations and religious organizations, as well as an increase in the maximum life sentence to more than 15 years.

Resonance and criticism

The government's new proposals have provoked a lively reaction in society. Opposition parties have already condemned the emergency law, which allows the government to make decisions without parliament, calling it “anti-democratic.”

The Dutch Council for Refugees has also expressed concern about the possible consequences for the rights of asylum seekers, saying that the problems with asylum are the result of “political choices” and not force majeure.

The program also emphasizes the link between domestic migration issues and the international situation. The government emphasizes that russia's aggressive war against Ukraine threatens European security and that the Netherlands must be prepared for hybrid threats. Attention is also drawn to China's growing role in changing the international order and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

It is noted that these global processes affect the daily lives of the Dutch through rising prices and cyber threats, which makes the issue of migration closely related to the international political situation.

If you are interested in the issue of migration and face any obstacles or difficulties, we recommend that you entrust this matter to professionals - Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you with the collection of documents and provide advice using an individual approach. You can get acquainted with the consultation packages here.

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Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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