Dutch Government Proposes Stricter Asylum Policies

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands announced a more stringent and faster asylum policy during the traditional Throne Speech. The government aims to reduce asylum applications, citing pressure on social cohesion.

Proposed measures include stricter conditions for obtaining Dutch citizenship and penalties for non-cooperation in deportations. Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized the urgency, referring to the situation as an 'asylum crisis.' The right-wing coalition, led by Geert Wilders' PVV, seeks a temporary opt-out from EU asylum rules.

This move has sparked criticism and legal doubts, as it contradicts earlier agreements on EU-wide asylum reforms. The overburdened asylum system, exacerbated by budget cuts, forces many to sleep outdoors.

The government plans to declare a national asylum crisis to implement these measures without parliamentary approval.