The new Dutch government, led by the far-right party of Geert Wilders, has officially requested an exception from the European Union regarding its migration obligations. The aim is to fulfill a promise made during the campaign to significantly decrease the number of immigrants entering the country. Dutch Migration Minister Marjolein Faber, representing Wilders’ party, formally communicated the request to the European Commission, expressing the Netherlands’ desire to be released from refugee acceptance regulations. Furthermore, the letter stated the need for the Netherlands to regain control of its asylum policy. The announcement comes after the government revealed its policy agenda for the upcoming year, which includes stricter measures to manage and expel migrants who do not meet asylum criteria.

Interestingly, tensions within the ruling coalition were evident as party leaders engaged in public disputes over their strategies just a day before the policy blueprint announcement. Despite the government’s plans, the European Commission had previously cautioned that opting out of established EU legislation was not permissible. Concurrently, the Dutch refugee settlement agency raised concerns about a potential lack of accommodation for asylum seekers in the Ter Apel village asylum center in northeastern Netherlands due to overcrowding.

In response to the growing challenges, the government is considering declaring an “asylum crisis” to enable the implementation of stricter measures. These measures include restricting visas for family members of asylum beneficiaries and expediting the deportation process for migrants deemed ineligible for asylum. However, these proposals are subject to review by a critical political advisory body, and a coalition party has indicated opposition to emergency measures not endorsed by the panel.