Dutch parliament backs law allowing more force in asylum seeker deportations

The Dutch House of Representatives has approved a new law that significantly increases the potential for coercive measures in the deportation of asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected. The "Return and Alien Detention Law" now moves to the Senate for consideration.

This legislation incorporates two key measures previously proposed in a "special asylum measures law" that was ultimately rejected in April. These include the "undesirability declaration," which can be issued against asylum seekers who engage in criminal behavior, leading to their expulsion from the Netherlands, and the abolition of penalty payments to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for delayed processing of asylum cases.

These additions allow previously rejected asylum measures to be reintroduced through a different legislative path. Further alignment with EU policy is expected through the European Asylum and Migration Pact, set to take effect on June 12, which includes measures like shortening residence permits from five to three years, another element from the previously failed bill.

The vote saw a split among parties, with GroenLinks-PvdA voting in favor despite reservations about specific measures, arguing the law would improve the situation for those detained while awaiting deportation. The BBB party voted against, reportedly due to a member arriving late for the vote.

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Under the bottom line, the law would improve the situation for people 'whose freedom has been taken away' while they wait for deportation.