The Dutch government has announced that new border checks aimed at tackling "illegal migration and human trafficking" will start on 9 December. The Marechaussee (the Dutch gendarmerie) will carry out these checks over a six-month period, asylum minister Marjolein Faber confirmed on 11 November.
Although official asylum figures have fallen sharply in recent months, the cabinet claims that an influx of asylum seekers has prompted the government to adopt the measure. Under EU rules, member states can only reintroduce temporary border controls in emergency or unforeseen situations, the NL Times reported.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Asylum and Migration reported that 700 people applied for asylum in the Netherlands in the week ending 10 November. During the same period in 2023, the total was around 1,200. Overall, the number of asylum seekers has decreased by 5% compared to each of the previous two years.
Faber stated that the new policy aims to restrict the free movement of people and goods across European borders, although it will seek to minimise disruptions to economic traffic and travellers. She said the government would not increase the number of staff to assist in these efforts at the borders.
Marechause currently carries out limited spot checks at borders, but this initiative is in line with increased controls in other EU countries, including Germany and France, aimed at combating terrorism and illegal immigration. The Marechaussee is a unit of the Dutch army tasked with guarding the country's borders.
Faber promptly notified Brussels and other EU member states of his decision in order to meet the required four-week notice period before introducing border controls. The airport inspections will target only high-risk flights to limit the impact on routine travel and trade. | BGNES
