Netherlands Seeks EU Opt-Out on Migration Rules Amid National Asylum Crisis

The Netherlands has requested an opt-out from EU migration rules to implement stricter controls on asylum seekers. Migration Minister Marjolein Faber announced the move on social media, citing the need for national control. The EU is expected to resist, emphasizing a collectively agreed migration policy.

The Netherlands' right-wing government has officially requested an opt-out from EU migration rules to impose stricter controls on unwanted arrivals.

Migration minister Marjolein Faber announced the move on social media platform X, expressing the need for national control over asylum policies. In power since July, the government led by Geert Wilders' nationalist PVV party plans to declare a national asylum crisis to bypass parliamentary approval.

Brussels is anticipated to resist this request, citing the recent bloc-wide migration pact agreed upon in December 2023. EU spokesperson Eric Mamer highlighted that opting out of adopted legislation is against general EU principles. With two first-time asylum applications per 1,000 residents in 2023, the Netherlands matches the EU average, though ten member states have higher proportions. However, the country's sole registration centre has been overwhelmed following years of budget cuts, leaving some asylum seekers sleeping outdoors.

(With inputs from agencies.)