Cabinet pushes forward with asylum laws despite critical advisory opinion

Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Friday that the government takes all advice from the Raad van State (Council of State) seriously, following reports that the independent advisory body has criticized proposed asylum laws by Migration Minister Marjolein Faber (PVV).

“The content of the proposals, which include abolishing permanent asylum permits, will remain unchanged,” Schoof said at a press conference after the ministerial meeting. “The key policy markers have been set in the coalition agreement and the government program. Those are not up for debate.”

Multiple sources reportedly confirmed to ANP that the Council of State has issued a rare C-advice on the proposals, meaning the council advises against submitting the legislation unless significant revisions are made. The official recommendation is expected to be published Monday.

Faber, however, dismissed concerns. "I might change a period or a comma," she said earlier Friday, adding that she had not yet read the advisory opinion. “I can do with it whatever I want.”

The government remains committed to fast-tracking the legislation despite the warnings. “We will review the advice carefully, but we are moving forward with urgency,” Schoof said.

PVV leader Geert Wilders is pressuring the cabinet to implement the asylum restrictions without changes. "We must act quickly and toughen asylum laws—no adjustments, no delays, no obstruction," he wrote Friday on X. Wilders has previously threatened new elections if he is forced to make concessions on asylum policy.