Netherlands to Reinstate Border Controls Amid Immigration Crackdown

The Netherlands plans to implement border controls at the month's end as part of efforts to curb immigration. Initiated by the right-wing coalition, measures include limiting asylum permits and family reunifications. These proposals, initially part of a coalition agreement, faced internal resistance but now await parliamentary approval.

The Netherlands is gearing up to introduce border controls, as part of sweeping measures aimed at restricting immigration, according to Dutch broadcaster RTL. This move mirrors neighboring Germany's recent decision to suspend the Schengen zone's passport-free policy to curb illegal immigration.

These border checks are elements of a comprehensive migration clampdown proposed by the Dutch right-wing coalition, led by Geert Wilders' PVV party. The measures include capping asylum permits to three years and restricting family reunifications for approved asylum seekers, as reported by RTL.

While these initiatives were part of the coalition agreement settled in July, it took months to reach a consensus on implementation due to internal disagreements, particularly Wilders' push to declare a national asylum crisis, which met opposition. The agreed-upon measures now await approval in both the Lower House and the Senate.

(With inputs from agencies.)