Netherlands considering deportation centers in Kenya, Rwanda for failed asylum seekers
The Dutch government is primarily considering Kenya as a partner country to open a deportation center for asylum seekers whose applications were rejected in the Netherlands, sources close to the government told RTL Nieuws. Rwanda and Benin are also potential options. According to the sources, the plans for the African countries are in the exploratory phase, and diplomatic and official bodies are examining the options.
The Netherlands, together with Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Greece, is part of a group within the European Union looking for countries on the fringes of Europe to accommodate rejected asylum seekers. Deporting asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies is an important part of the European Migration Pact that took effect two weeks ago.
The Dutch government’s initial assessment indicates Kenya is the most obvious choice, RTL’s sources said. Kenya is relatively prosperous, and the political situation is reasonably stable.
The government is also looking at Rwanda, but there are concerns about human rights in the country. Benin in West Africa is another option, but talks regarding that country have yet to begin.
The involved Ministers will be briefed shortly on the assessment. They will then decide which direction the Netherlands will take. The government hopes to reach a final decision before the end of the year.
The idea for these deportation centers is to open locations in countries outside the EU where people whose asylum applications were definitely rejected can be sent to await the return to their country of origin. According to the European Commission, such centers must comply with international human rights and must be located in a politically stable country.
So far, finding a suitable country willing to take over Europe’s unwanted immigrants has proven to be the difficult part. Under the previous Cabinet, the Netherlands considered Uganda for a deportation center. Human rights and refugee organizations criticized the plan, given the strict anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Uganda. After elections caused instability in the country, the current Cabinet has decided to put talks with Uganda “on hold.”
