Dutch parliament passes asylum tightening laws

The Dutch lower house of parliament, the Tweede Kamer, has adopted two controversial asylum laws that promise to implement what is being described as “the strictest asylum policy ever” in the Netherlands.

The vote took place around midnight on July 4, with the Two Status System Act passing by 95 votes to 55, and the Asylum Emergency Measures Act approved by 94 votes to 56, Caliber.Az reports via Dutch media.

The legislation, drafted by former far-right PVV minister Marjolein Faber, has sparked heated debate throughout the week, particularly following the passage of a last-minute amendment by the PVV that further tightens the rules. This amendment makes being undocumented a criminal offense — a move that would also make it illegal to provide aid to undocumented individuals.

The proposal met strong resistance from several parties, including the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), the New Social Contract (NSC), and the Reformed Political Party (SGP), who criticized its harsh implications.

They condemned the measure as inhumane. “A cup of coffee,” “a cup of soup,” “a bed,” or a “piece of bread” — all of these, they argued, could potentially land someone in legal trouble under the new law.

Under mounting pressure, Asylum Minister David van Weel issued a statement to parliament late in the evening, announcing that the criminalization clause would not be implemented immediately. Instead, the Council of State would first assess the proposal, after which its advice would be debated in parliament. The Minister did not clarify what the government’s response would be if the Council's opinion is unfavorable.

That assurance proved sufficient for the NSC and SGP to support the legislation. However, the CDA held firm in its opposition. “It is incomprehensible that so many parties voted in favor,” said CDA leader Henri Bontenbal, who described the legislative process as “chaos.” He added, “The amendment on the criminalization is and remains unacceptable to us.”

Critics pointed out that the PVV amendment — which passed with an unexpected majority on Tuesday — was never debated in parliament and has not undergone legal scrutiny or review by the Council of State.

The Two Status System Act introduces a new classification of asylum seekers, distinguishing between those fleeing persecution on political, religious, or sexual grounds, and those escaping war and violence. The latter group would be granted fewer rights. The Asylum Emergency Measures Act includes provisions to abolish permanent residency permits and shorten the duration of existing ones.

The bills now head to the Eerste Kamer, the Dutch Senate, for consideration after the summer recess. Their fate remains uncertain, particularly as the governing coalition lacks a majority there and the CDA — considered a key swing vote — has voiced its opposition.

By Sabina Mammadli