Coalition reaches deal on controversial refugee measures

 

Coalition reaches deal on controversial refugee measures

October 25, 2024

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/10/coalition-reaches-deal-on-controversial-refugee-measures/

 

The four coalition parties have finalised their plans for reducing the number of refugees coming to the Netherlands after eight hours of talks on Thursday evening.

 

The plans will first be discussed in the cabinet and then presented to the public later on Friday. Leaks earlier this week suggest they include bringing in more border checks, declaring parts of Syria to be safe and reducing refugee residency permits to three years.

 

The plans were first thrashed out between PVV leader Geert Wilders, who had wanted to invoke emergency legislation and bypass parliament, and Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who is acting chief of the NSC and opposed that move.

 

Caroline van der Plas from the BBB and VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz joined the talks on Thursday. Both declined to say if changes were made to the plan leaked earlier in the week.

 

However, NOS said its sources suggest the VVD had most concerns about the decision to repeal legislation ensuring refugees are spread fairly around the country. The party also had questions about the decision to end the council requirement to find housing for refugees with residency permits.

 

Prime minister Dick Schoof will outline the plans, which have already been slammed by refugee groups and local authorities, on Friday afternoon.

 

Opponents say the plans will do little to reduce the number of refugees arriving in the Netherlands. They will, however, make conditions for refugees already living in the Netherlands more difficult, by making it harder to integrate into Dutch society.