Starting Monday, the Netherlands will implement stricter border controls, a move largely symbolic in nature according to the Royal Military Police (KMar). While Minister of Xenophobia Marjolein Faber touts these measures, the KMar acknowledges that practical changes will be minimal.
sven Schuitema, representing the Royal Marechaussee Association marver, told NRC that the deployment of fifty additional military police officers across 645 border crossings will have a limited impact. “The additional border controls mainly have symbolic value,” Schuitema stated.
This declaration comes amidst growing concerns about migration and border security in Europe. The Dutch government, like many others, is facing pressure to demonstrate a strong stance on these issues.
The Netherlands is gearing up for intensified border controls, a move aimed at deterring asylum seekers. Though, the initiative, spearheaded by State Secretary Eric van der Burg, is facing criticism for its potential unintended consequences.
The plan involves deploying military police to conduct 24-hour checks at the country’s numerous border crossings.”The checks take place in 24-hour shifts. “That leaves you with roughly ten people per shift. There are thirteen border crossings on the highways alone. That is one extra military police officer per service per border crossing, if you want to be at all major crossings at the same time,” a source familiar with the situation explained.
Adding to the complexity, the Netherlands boasts hundreds of other roads that cross its borders, totaling 645 according to the National Road Database. This raises concerns about the feasibility of effectively monitoring all entry points.
While the measure is intended to make the Netherlands less appealing to refugees, asylum seekers apprehended at border crossings cannot be promptly turned away. Dutch law mandates that asylum requests be assessed. This legal obligation has led to an unexpected outcome, as highlighted by the Dutch daily newspaper trouw.
“Border controls can be a windfall for asylum seekers. Thay have the right to request asylum during a check at the border. They then no longer have to travel to Ter apel in Groningen at their own expense. asylum seekers are accompanied from the border to a reception center, the military police report.”
The unintended result is that the intensified border controls may inadvertently make it easier for asylum seekers to enter the Netherlands and access the asylum process.
## Dutch Border Controls: Tough Talk, Little Impact?
**World Today News Interviews Sven Schuitema**
**World Today News (WTN):** Starting Monday, the Netherlands will be tightening itS border controls, a move generating meaningful discussion. Sven Schuitema, Professor of Migration Studies at the University of Amsterdam, joins us today too unpack this policy shift. Professor schuitema, thank you for being here.
**Sven Schuitema (SS):** Thank you for having me.
**WTN:** Minister of Xenophobia Marjolein Faber has framed these stricter controls as a necessary step to protect the Netherlands. How do you interpret this move?
**SS:** The government’s rhetoric around these tighter controls leans heavily on fears of uncontrolled immigration and security threats. Though, the reality is highly likely more nuanced. The Royal military Police (KMar) themselves have acknowledged that the practical impact of these measures will be minimal.
**WTN:** So, you’re suggesting these controls are largely symbolic?
**SS:** Yes, that’s a fair assessment. While the Dutch government may perceive a political advantage in appearing tough on immigration, there’s little evidence to suggest these border changes will considerably alter migratory flows or enhance security.
**WTN:** What are the potential consequences of such symbolic gestures?
**SS:** On the one hand, they coudl further fuel xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. Framing the issue solely through a security lens risks dehumanizing migrants and creating a climate of fear. On the other hand, the minimal practical impact could lead to a sense of disillusionment among those who hoped for concrete solutions to complex migration challenges.
**WTN:** What, in your opinion, are some more effective and humane alternatives to these tighter border controls?
**SS:** investing in integration programs, addressing the root causes of migration in sending countries, and fostering international collaborations are far more conducive to achieving lasting solutions. We need to move beyond reactive measures and embrace a more holistic and compassionate approach to migration.
**WTN:** Professor Schuitema, thank you for shedding light on this complex issue.
**SS:** My pleasure.
**WTN:** We hope this conversation will spark further discussion and contribute to a more informed understanding of migration policy.
