Netherlands expands asylum policy for Eritreans facing national service

Eritrean asylum seekers in the Netherlands who are subject to mandatory national service are now more likely to be granted residence permits, following a policy expansion introduced by Minister Bart van den Brink. Previously, automatic eligibility applied only to those facing military conscription, while individuals assigned to civilian service were required to prove personal risk individually. Under the revised policy, that distinction has been removed.

The CDA minister stated that the distinction between the risks encountered by military and civilian conscripts has effectively disappeared. Recent accounts from Foreign Affairs officials highlight exposure to abuses, including forced labor, degrading treatment, sexual violence, and torture.

Eritreans identified by the regime as having deserted or avoided conscription, distinct from those who have yet to be summoned, are at risk of torture and lengthy detention. As a result, the asylum policy has likewise been broadened to cover this group.

Bart van den Brink assumed the role of Minister of Asylum and Migration on February 23, 2026, in the minority Jetten Cabinet. While Van den Brink seeks stricter asylum policies and reduced intake, this particular easing is grounded in a recent official report on Eritrea’s human rights situation.

The minister points out that the difference between military and civilian conscription had become largely artificial, since both face similar forms of forced labor and mistreatment.

Even with the expanded provisions for Eritreans, Van den Brink aims to accelerate asylum procedures and establish “return hubs” outside the EU for rejected applicants.

From June 12, 2026, asylum residence permits in the Netherlands will have a standard validity of three years instead of five. This means beneficiaries must reapply for a new permit every three years. Those with existing five-year permits can retain their current card until its scheduled renewal.

Eritreans are a key group among asylum seekers in the Netherlands. In 2025, their applications doubled to over 3,000, making them the second-largest group of first-time applicants after Syrians. Meanwhile, Dutch reception centers continue to face significant pressure, with a shortage of nearly 8,000 places expected this year due to ongoing high arrivals from multiple countries.