Netherlands moves toward declaring state of emergency

The Dutch coalition government is preparing to declare a state of emergency to implement stricter migration controls and possibly exit certain EU regulations.

The government’s new 138-page program outlines plans to invoke emergency powers under the Migrants Act, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This measure would enable the government to issue decrees without parliamentary approval in situations such as war, natural disasters, or pandemics, following consultations with the Council of State.

Under the proposed emergency measures, only migrants with steady employment and a minimum of two years' residence at their permanent address in the Netherlands will be eligible for family reunification. Additionally, the right to family reunification will no longer extend to children of migrants who are over 18 years old.

The new policy also includes stricter asylum procedures. Applications from asylum seekers will be scrutinized more rigorously, and those who fail to attend hearings or meetings may be immediately rejected by Dutch authorities.

The government plans to end the policy of assigning migrants to municipalities and will enforce deportations for individuals without residence permits. Border controls will be reinforced, and the eligibility period for obtaining indefinite residence permits will be extended from five to ten years of continuous residence.

This move marks a significant shift in the Netherlands' approach to migration, reflecting a broader trend towards stricter immigration policies.