Majority of Dutch see ‘moral duty’ to shelter war refugees, SCP reports

Nearly 60 percent of Dutch people believe the Netherlands has a responsibility to take in those fleeing war and violence, according to a new report by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP). The study, based on multiple large-scale surveys, suggests that public opinion on migration is more complex than a simple divide between supporters and opponents.

“Based on the public and political debate, one might get the impression that Dutch people are either completely for or against migration,” the SCP stated in its press release. “This research shows otherwise.”

The study found that a large “middle group” exists between the two extremes. Many Dutch people recognize both the benefits and downsides of migration. While they express concerns about the number of people entering the country, they also believe that certain groups—such as war refugees and labor migrants filling shortages—should be welcomed.

While a significant portion of the population supports offering refuge, concerns about migration remain widespread. About one-third of respondents said the Netherlands should close its borders to asylum seekers, even if doing so would violate international agreements. Meanwhile, 9 percent of those surveyed want the country to take in more refugees than it currently does, according to the SCP.

One of the key concerns highlighted in the report is the impact of migration on housing availability. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe that taking in refugees makes it harder for Dutch citizens to find homes. The SCP emphasized that addressing underlying problems like the housing crisis should be a priority for the government.

The SCP also described the current political and public debate on migration as “heated.” The institute warned that opposing sides are becoming increasingly entrenched, unwilling to listen to each other’s arguments.

“The recognition that migration has both positive and negative consequences better reflects the views of many people in society,” the SCP stated.