In 2021, 2,191 unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (AMVs) submitted an asylum application, compared to 985 in 2020. The family reunification is the main reason for applying for asylum in the Netherlands, the service reported in a preliminary investigation. Most underage asylum seekers come to the Netherlands consciously or are sent ahead by their parents, because it is believed that the legislation with regard to unaccompanied minors is less strict here. For a small part of the unaccompanied minors, the journey to the Netherlands was not their own choice: they were brought to the Netherlands by people smugglers, without knowing in advance where they were going.
The number of asylum applications from unaccompanied children under the age of 12 has even quadrupled in the past four years. In 2017, 51 children under the age of 12 applied for asylum in the Netherlands. In 2021 this involved 199 children. In particular, the IND calls the increase in asylum applications in the youngest category of UMAs ‘a very worrying development’. People smugglers often play a role in these cases.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service fears that the workload will increase due to the explosive increase. Unaccompanied minor cases usually cost more time and require more research because hearing children is subject to stricter rules. In addition, State Secretary Eric van der Burg recently adjusted the IND policy with regard to unaccompanied minor cases. This change followed a ruling by the Council of State in June. He stated that the IND should conduct more research into adequate reception before an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker must return to the country of origin in the event of a rejection.