Netherlands Tightens Asylum Rules Under Right-Wing Government

The Netherlands plans a clampdown on asylum migration by limiting permits for asylum seekers to three years, scrapping open-ended stay permits, and expanding detention centers. Border controls will also be introduced. The right-wing government aims to reduce migrant influx amid concerns from city councils.

The Dutch government has announced new measures to curb asylum migration, limiting permits to a maximum of three years and introducing border controls starting next month. These steps are in line with promises made by the ruling right-wing party, led by Geert Wilders.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof explained that the new policy will also eliminate preferential housing for asylum seekers and focus on basic shared accommodations. The measures will also tighten family reunification policies and evaluate permits for extension after three years.

The government intends to expand detention centers to enforce swift returns of refused or undocumented migrants. Despite uncertainty about the impact, Schoof emphasized the importance of these actions to manage migration effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)