Netherlands to implement land border controls from Dec. 9
The Dutch government announced that new border controls aimed at addressing "irregular migration and human trafficking" will start on December 9. The Marechaussee will conduct these checks for a period of six months, confirmed Asylum Minister Marjolein Faber on Monday.
Despite the fact that official asylum figures have fallen sharply in recent months, the Cabinet claimed an influx of asylum seekers prompted the government to enact the measure. Under European Union rules, member states can reintroduce temporary border controls only in urgent or unforeseen situations.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Asylum and Migration said that 700 people requested asylum in the Netherlands during the week ending on Sunday. During the same week in 2023, that total was about 1,200. Overall, asylum figures are down by 5 percent compared to each of the previous two years.
Faber said the new policy intends to limit the free movement of people and goods across European borders, though it will aim to minimize disruptions to economic traffic and commuters. Faber indicated the government would not add personnel to support these border efforts.
The Marechaussee currently conducts limited spot inspections along borders, but this initiative aligns with heightened controls in other EU nations, including Germany and France, aimed at countering terrorism and illegal immigration. The Marechaussee is the branch of the Dutch military tasked with policing the country’s borders.
Faber promptly notified Brussels and other EU member states of the decision to comply with the required four-week notice period before implementing border controls. Airport inspections will target only high-risk flights to limit impacts on routine travel and trade.
