Dutch border controls to resume with limited resources
Starting December 9, the Netherlands will temporarily reinstate border controls for six months at its internal Schengen borders with Belgium and Germany. The measure, ordered by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration, aims to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime. However, limited personnel and resources mean that only a small fraction of the country’s more than 800 border crossings will see active checks at any given time.
According to reports, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee will have no more than 50 officers available to monitor the borders, allowing for simultaneous checks at only five locations. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the measure, which is permitted under European Union regulations for reasons of public order or national security.
The Netherlands has over 800 crossings along its borders, including highways, provincial roads, and smaller routes. Despite the scale of the operation, the Marechaussee currently has five brigades in the border regions. These teams will prioritize locations based on risk assessments and available intelligence.
“Controls will be non-systematic and carried out in a way that minimizes disruption,” said Marechaussee spokesperson Mike Hofman. Mobile patrols on motorcycles will stop selected vehicles for inspections rather than conducting static checkpoints. Officials aim to avoid speed restrictions or long delays but acknowledged that some measures might be necessary during large-scale operations.
The temporary border controls, which will last until June 8, 2025, are part of a broader strategy to address irregular migration and human trafficking. The European Union's Schengen Border Code allows member states to reintroduce border checks temporarily under exceptional circumstances.
"We are implementing these controls to safeguard public order and national security," a Marechaussee statement explained. "This includes additional checks on international trains from Schengen countries and selected flights with higher risks of irregular migration."
Current practices of spot checks, known as Mobile Security Monitoring (MTV), will also be expanded during this period.
The Marechaussee has declined to disclose the exact deployment numbers for security reasons. However, union representatives have expressed concerns about the workforce's ability to meet demand. "In the best-case scenario, only 50 officers will be available, covering 24-hour shifts across multiple posts," said the Marver union.
Reports indicate that the Marechaussee will prioritize high-traffic areas, such as major highways and railway hubs, but smaller crossings may remain unmonitored.
Travelers crossing the Dutch borders during this period are advised to carry valid identification, such as a passport or identity card. While asylees can still apply for asylum at the border, they will be directed to reception centers for processing.
Despite the reinstatement of border checks, Dutch authorities emphasized their efforts to minimize disruptions for commuters and economic traffic in the border regions.
