Dutch Government To Opt Out Of EU Migration Rules

May 17, 2024

The new Dutch government, which is run by Geert Wilders’ nationalist Party for Freedom (PVV), wants to break the rules set by the European Union for immigration. This choice was made after Wilders won the recent elections and formed an alliance with three other right-wing parties. This move shows a move toward tighter asylum rules, and it could make things more difficult with Brussels.

Coalition Agreement and Migration Plans

The alliance, which was formed almost six months after the elections, said it would make the Netherlands’ asylum system the “strictest ever.” This includes tighter rules for refugee seekers and better control at the borders. One important part of their plan is to add an “opt-out” clause to European policies on migration and asylum. This is meant to make the Netherlands less appealing to people from Africa and the Middle East who are looking for asylum.

Potential Conflict with the European Union

The decision made by the Dutch government is expected to cause a fight with the European Union because it goes against EU rules on migration and asylum. These deals, which were recently confirmed, are usually talked about and agreed upon by EU countries when they are negotiating. Brussels may not agree with the Dutch government’s actions because they want these rules to be applied the same way everywhere.

Broader Implications

If this plan goes through, the Netherlands will join those like Hungary and Poland who have spoken out against EU immigration policies in the past. The coalition has also suggested stricter rules for foreign students wanting to attend Dutch colleges and limits on workers coming to the Netherlands. This is part of a larger policy shift to reduce incoming migration. This method fits with Wilders’ long-standing populist and nationalist views, which stress the importance of national sovereignty and tighter control over migration.

More About European Union migration rules

The European Union (EU) has set up shared rules for migration. For example, the Schengen Agreement lets people travel between member states without a passport, and the Dublin Regulation says that an EU member’s first entry determines which member is responsible for processing asylum applications. There are rules for removing illegal immigrants in the Return Directive. The Blue Card plan makes it easier for highly skilled non-EU workers to come to the UK and stay. Seasonal workers from outside the EU are protected by the Seasonal Workers Directive. People from outside the EU who have lived in the EU for more than five years are given rights by the Long-term Residents Directive. Under the National Integration Strategies, each country has very different integration strategies.

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