Dutch Government Plans Increased Border Checks to Combat Irregular Migration

On Monday, the Dutch government announced its intention to implement enhanced land border checks as a measure to address irregular migration. This decision follows a similar initiative undertaken by Germany in September, reflecting a growing trend among European nations to tighten immigration controls in response to rising anti-foreigner sentiments.

Dutch Migration Minister Marjolein Faber disclosed the new policy via a press release after receiving approval from the Cabinet. “It is imperative that we confront irregular migration and migrant smuggling head-on. Therefore, we will commence the reintroduction of border controls in the Netherlands starting from December 9,” she stated.

This policy aligns with European Union regulations that require member states to inform Brussels at least four weeks in advance before imposing restrictions on freedom of movement. Earlier this year, Minister Faber had also communicated the Netherlands’ desire to opt out of certain EU refugee obligations.

Geert Wilders, the leader of the anti-immigration PVV party, which secured the largest share of seats in last year’s elections, expressed his support on social media, proclaiming that his party “delivers.” Wilders has campaigned for the closure of Dutch borders for over a decade.

While Faber, representing Wilders’ party in the Cabinet, did not elaborate on the precise execution of the border controls, it is noteworthy that this initiative will proceed without additional funding for the national police response to these checks. The statement indicates that the six-month restrictions must be implemented “within the existing capacity” of law enforcement agencies.

The Netherlands shares numerous land border crossings with its neighboring countries, Germany and Belgium. Currently, the police perform sporadic spot checks at these locations. Faber emphasized the need for the border controls to be conducted with minimal disruption to traffic.

Related

• Germany reinstates land border checks for six months in much-criticised move

Germany began its own border checks on the borders with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark last month, following a series of high-profile attacks attributed to extremists. Both Germany and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Area, which allows for border-free travel among most EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

According to EU regulations, member states are permitted to temporarily reintroduce controls at internal borders in the event of serious threats to internal security. However, these controls are intended to be a last resort, utilized only in exceptional circumstances, and are required to be time-limited.