Dutch Cabinet pleased with new strict asylum measures; Plan set to go to Parliament

The Dutch Cabinet has approved three asylum reform laws proposed by Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber. The proposed legislation includes the introduction of a two-tier system for asylum seekers, the elimination of permanent asylum permits, and stricter rules on family reunification.

According to Faber, the measures aim to reduce the number of new asylum seekers and their families entering the Netherlands and to ensure recognized refugees return to their home countries when conditions there improve. “By reducing inflow and increasing return, we can relieve the pressure on the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), asylum shelters, and the housing, healthcare, and education sectors,” Faber said in a statement following the Cabinet meeting.

The proposals are contained in three bills that will now be sent to the Council of State for review. Once the Council issues its advice, the legislation will need approval from both chambers of Parliament.

The two-tier system would categorize asylum seekers based on their likelihood of being granted protection, with stricter rules and shorter stays for those in the second category. The elimination of permanent asylum permits would mean refugees could no longer stay indefinitely, with their status subject to periodic reviews based on conditions in their home countries. The restrictions on family reunification aim to limit the number of family members who can join refugees already in the Netherlands.

Faber’s earlier attempt to reduce asylum numbers through emergency state laws failed after resistance from Parliament, particularly the Senate, where the coalition lacks a majority. That proposal sought to bypass parliamentary approval, sparking widespread opposition.

Despite these setbacks, Faber expressed confidence in the new measures. “I am moving forward. If adjustments are needed, we will look into them,” she said.

The proposals have drawn criticism from legal experts, the judiciary, and the Council of State, who argue that parts of the plan may conflict with international obligations. Advocacy groups and lawyers have also raised concerns about the potential impact on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

Faber declined to address specific criticisms, stating only that “all kinds of issues are, of course, being discussed and taken seriously.”

The minister remains optimistic about the progress of the reforms. “I’ll just wait for the advice calmly. You probably know me as a positive person,” she said.

Within the coalition government, the plans have faced skepticism from the New Social Contract (NSC) party, which has repeatedly questioned the feasibility and legality of the reforms. Faber, however, dismissed the concerns, saying, “Yes, they are critical, but that is allowed.”