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The right-wing Dutch government is implementing strict measures to further limit migration to the Netherlands amid a rise in anti-immigrant sentiments. A re-introduction of border checks is just one measure among many that seek to weaken paths to migration. Critics voice concerns over human rights and the implementation of international law, particularly for asylum seekers.
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In the 1960s, the Netherlands saw an influx of immigration flows to the country as it sought economic recovery following the Second World War. The first major group of immigrants was from Indonesia, which had been a Dutch colony until 1945.
Dutch colonization of Indonesia began during the 17th century with the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), which became a key player in the spice trade. Plantations were introduced and settlements began to be built.
The VOC was a catalyst for the colonization of Indonesia, which became known as the Dutch East Indies. After the abolition of slavery, Indonesians began coming to the Netherlands as contract laborers in the 19th century. Today, 1.5-2 million people with some form of Indonesian heritage live in the Netherlands, consisting of approximately 4% of the population
Pictured is Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, declaring independence in 1945.
Immigrants were largely comprised of those from the former colonies and low-wage laborers. Immigrants from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean continued to come as part of chain migration.
By the 1980s, following several economic crises, political refugees and asylum seekers began to increase significantly. The 1990s saw a large number of arrivals through temporary protection measures. By 2000, nearly 18% of the population were foreign-born or had at least one parent who was foreign-born.
In 2004, the Dutch established a quota of 500 refugees for resettlement, later expanded to 750. In the midst of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Netherlands received upwards of 44,000 asylum requests. Less than half of this number were registered just a year later.
In 2018, 3,000 opportunities for resettlement were open. In the context of the global refugee context, this number is a small fraction of the pressing needs of refugees who are seeking resettlement.
Pictured are asylum seekers camped outside an application center in Ter Apel.
Family reunification was a central topic following the approval of asylum requests. The Dutch government created several rules and regulations that required numerous documents to be produced to prove family ties. This was particularly difficult for those coming from contexts where procuring documents outside the country was nearly impossible.
Pictured are refugee children in a school in Harskam.
Advocates such as the Dutch Refugee Council argued that the Dutch government was not adhering to the EU directive on family reunification, which established guidelines on the process.
Despite the number of immigrants that continue to arrive in the Netherlands, either as asylum seekers, migrant workers, or otherwise, very few of them actually become Dutch citizens. Naturalization is particularly difficult in the country.
Simultaneously to the wave of refugees and other migrants, anti-immigrant, and specifically, anti-Muslim sentiments have grown among the Dutch, following similar trajectories of several Western nations accompanying the dangerous rhetoric of the War on Terror.
The far-right in particular has promoted and exploited these anxieties. The role of Islamic schools in the country has received attention as part of the media frenzy surrounding immigrants. In addition to claims that teachers in an Amsterdam-based school were associated with terrorism, weekend schooling teaching Arabic, an initiative popular in many diaspora communities, became another cause for concern.
Image shows far-right demonstration in the Netherlands.
Media reports that weekend schooling also taught religious education was framed as a gateway into terrorism. No other weekend schools from other cultures were accused of such behavior. In addition to these claims, the media also insinuated that these weekend schools were preventing children from integrating into society.
Pictured is Edwin Wagensveld, head of the Netherlands' chapter of the far-right anti-Islam movement Pegida, moments before he tore the Koran in his hands in front of the Turkish embassy in the Hague.
The impact of anti-immigrant sentiments has long been felt among immigrant groups. The pressure to integrate into a society that harbors dangerous sentiments about one’s culture, upbringing, beliefs, and religion is a significant challenge. The distinction between Dutch citizens and immigrants is evident not only socially, but in the legal context, as well.
Pictured is a protest staged by the right-wing Dutch People's Union against Afghan refugees in an emergency shelter in Harskamp.In September 2014, the Dutch government announced some of the strictest immigration policies in the European Union. Following the trends in Italy, Austria, Hungary, and elsewhere, the government promised restrictions on family reunification, forced returns, and punishment for what they deem "troublemakers."
Following the election of the far-right leader Geert Wilders, who ran on an anti-immigration platform, these measures have long been promised and expected in the country. The migration and asylum minister, Marjolein Faber, said the plan was to "declare an asylum crisis."
The government, which announced its plan to opt out of EU migration and asylum policies, seeks to hold the strictest admission rules in the EU. By attaching asylum to an emergency law, the government is able to take emergency measures, thereby circumventing parliamentary approval.
A similar measure was taken under Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, implementing a state of emergency, allegedly in response to a migration crisis.
The Dutch government announced it would limit family reunification significantly, push forth speedy deportations, and end permanent permits, as well as issuing changes to housing laws that prioritize asylum seekers for social housing.
In October 2024, the Dutch government took their earlier announcement further. Border checks will be re-introduced in a measure similar to their German neighbor, temporary visas will receive shorter approval times, and parts of Syria, a country that is still in a state of war, will be declared safe to return.
Measures on Syria in particular were implemented in other EU countries, including Denmark, following a surge of right-wing, anti-immigrant sentiments.
Faber promises to “make the Netherlands as unattractive as possible.” With these new measures, the government seeks to increase deportation rates and processes, while reducing newcomers as much as possible.
Echoing a dangerous trend similar to other European countries, such as Hungary, critics question the legality of such measures. The European Union, as well.
In Hungary, under Viktor Orbán’s leadership, the country shares the Netherlands’ sentiment to opt out of EU migration and asylum policies. The country’s hard-line policies led them to receive a fine of US$223 million for consistently preventing migrants from the right to apply for asylum.
In all of 2023, a mere 30 people applied for asylum in Hungary, the fewest of any EU country. Orbán has publicly stated that Hungary refuses to pay the EU fine. The EU has promised to deduct the fine amount from the funds that Hungary receives from the EU budget.
The EU continues to iterate that while treaties can be amended, until they are, countries like the Netherlands and Hungary are bound to European law and must comply with the regulations relevant to asylum and migration.
Germany and France are set to be the next countries to take harder positions on border control, migration, and asylum procedures. In continuation of populist anti-immigrant, and specifically, anti-Muslim rhetoric, political analysts warn of what’s to come under the wave of right-wing populism.
While immigration is a central topic for the European far-right, there are many other issues that face threats. Climate change, rights of LGBTQ+ communities, economic and social equity, and international conflicts, are just some of the issues that may also face regression.
The diversion of ideologies between individual European states and the European Union project in the midst of the rise of far-right populist movements exploits fears and anxieties that have largely been furthered by dangerous rhetoric and sensationalism.
The trends accompanying anti-immigrant sentiments demonstrate dangerous measures that not only leave immigrants in a state of fear and uncertainty, but also, in some cases, leave immigrants in dangerous circumstances where they may face violence.
Sources: (AP News) (University of Amsterdam) (DW) (The Washington Post) (The New York Times) (Politico) (European Union) (Financial Times) (CNN) (Wilson Center) (Le Monde) (Leibniz Information Centre for Economics) (Istanbul Bilgi University)
See also: Why is the far right gaining popularity among young people in Europe?
The Dutch government's strict migration crackdown
Shift toward tougher policies raise concerns over human rights
LIFESTYLE Immigration
The right-wing Dutch government is implementing strict measures to further limit migration to the Netherlands amid a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment. A re-introduction of border checks is just one measure among many that seek to weaken paths to migration. Critics are voicing concerns over human rights and the implementation of international law, particularly for asylum seekers.
Intrigued? Click on to find out more.