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With the European Asylum and Migration Pact (effective from June 2026), the Netherlands is working, together with other European countries, on a better functioning European asylum system. In accordance with the coalition agreement, the Directorate General of Migration focuses on more control over a reduced influx and on decent reception and the faster participation of asylum migrants.
The Director General (DG) is responsible for policy in the broad field of migration. From the migration movements and admission of migrants to the Netherlands for, for example, work, asylum, family and study from within and outside the European Union, to departure, integration and naturalization. The DG is working on an integrated approach together with municipalities, social and international partners. There is also close cooperation within the national government. The DG Migration develops implementable migration policy and new legislation and regulations together with implementing organizations (such as COA, IND and the Return and Departure Service). And works with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on migration partnerships with other countries. In addition, there is close cooperation with other departments around housing, healthcare, education, economy, integration and security.
The DG is also the figurehead of her own organization. Together with her MT members, she works on the further development of DG Migration, such as strengthening mutual cooperation and a pleasant working environment, and on good prioritization.
Drs. EWE (Esther) Pijs is currently Director General of Realization of Green Growth at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK). Previously, she was program director general of Groningen and Subsurface, director of Heat and Subsurface, director of the Region (EZK/LNV) and director of Gas Transition Groningen at the same ministry. Before joining EZK, she worked at various implementation organizations, including DUO.
Esther Pijs studied History and International Relations at Utrecht University.
This appointment was made through the procedure for the top management group of the General Administrative Service.
