To tackle the migration crisis, family members of beneficiaries are no longer allowed to come to the Netherlands if they have no accommodation. If no home has been found after 15 months, the following travelers will still receive a visa.
No space
According to the cabinet, there is simply no place to welcome family members who travel to reception in reception locations. The measure has caused a lot of protest from the asylum lobby. There is also unrest among the supporters of D66, CDA and CU.
The European Commission informs De Telegraaf that it has asked the Dutch authorities for a text and explanation about the plan.
“The Commission will then assess the measures that the Netherlands intends to take to see whether it complies with the EU acquis, in particular the family reunification directive,” said a spokesperson for the EU’s executive board.
Warned
Several experts have warned in recent days that the cabinet plan violates EU rules on family reunification.
The cabinet also wants to take a break for the Turkey deal. According to this European agreement, the Netherlands must take in 1000 refugees from Turkish refugee camps every year. The government wants to temporarily stop this.
Brussels confirms to De Telegraaf that member states resettle migrants on a voluntary basis.