Netherlands tightens asylum policy, introduces new 'safe zone' concept

The Netherlands will abolish indefinite residence permits for refugees and reduce the current five-year asylum permit to three years.

The Netherlands is considering re-imposing border controls and abolishing permanent residence permits. (Source: Dreamstime)

On October 25, the Dutch government announced a series of tough new measures to control refugees, and declared some areas of conflict-torn Syria as “safe zones”.

Tough measures include border checks – similar to those in Germany – the abolition of indefinite residence permits for refugees and a reduction of the current five-year asylum permit to three years, in line with neighbouring countries.

“Our negotiations have finally ended with a very positive result,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a weekly press briefing. “Today we have a comprehensive package of measures to make our asylum policy faster, more coherent and more streamlined.”

According to the head of government, in addition to tough refugee controls, the Netherlands' Syria policy will be "significantly tightened".

Under the plan, some areas of conflict-torn Syria are designated “safe zones”. This means that asylum seekers from so-called “safe” areas can be sent back and those who already have a residence permit in the Netherlands can be considered for return.

The land border between Belgium and the Netherlands has been uncontrolled for decades, allowing vehicles to pass freely. However, from the end of November this year, the Netherlands will re-impose border controls, similar to those in Germany and Denmark. People without legal documents found on Dutch soil will be detained.

However, the new measures still have to be approved by both the Hague-based House of Representatives and the Senate to come into effect.

The announcement of the plans follows a joint call by European Union (EU) leaders last week for urgent new legislation to increase and speed up the return of migrants.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ha-lan-siet-chat-van-de-ti-nan-dua-ra-mot-khai-niem-khu-vuc-an-toan-moi-291434.html