Netherlands Introduces Extra Border Checks to Combat Irregular Migration Amid Rising Anti-Foreigner Sentiment

The Dutch government announced plans to implement additional border checks to address irregular migration, mirroring a policy Germany adopted in September. This decision reflects the country's hard-right stance on immigration amid rising anti-foreigner sentiment in Europe. Migration Minister Marjolein Faber confirmed the policy's approval by the Cabinet, stating, "It is time to tackle irregular migration and migrant smuggling in a concrete way."

Border Control Measures

The new border controls will commence on December 9. According to EU regulations, member states must notify Brussels four weeks before imposing movement restrictions. Earlier this year, Faber informed Brussels of the Netherlands' desire to opt out of EU refugee obligations. The Netherlands shares numerous land borders with Germany and Belgium, where police currently perform spot checks.

Faber, representing Geert Wilders' party in the Cabinet, did not detail how these controls would be implemented. The initiative comes without additional funding for national police forces responsible for border checks. The six-month restrictions must operate "within the existing capacity," according to the statement.

Political Context and Reactions

Geert Wilders, whose anti-immigration party secured the most seats in last year's elections, expressed satisfaction on social media, asserting that his PVV party "delivers." Wilders has advocated for closing Dutch borders for over a decade. The Netherlands aims to minimize traffic disruption while implementing these controls.

Germany initiated similar checks at its borders with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark last month following extremist attacks. Both Germany and the Netherlands are part of the Schengen area, which allows border-free travel among most EU countries and includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

EU law permits temporary reintroduction of internal border controls if there is a serious threat to internal security. However, such measures should be a last resort and time-limited. The Dutch government's move aligns with this provision as it seeks to address security concerns while balancing freedom of movement within the EU framework.