Minister Faber announces border controls
To combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling, the Netherlands is temporarily reintroducing internal border controls from 9 December onwards. This is stated in a proposal by Minister Faber of Asylum and Migration that the cabinet has agreed to. Following this approval the minister informed the European Commission, the Council, member states and the European Parliament, as required by European legislation.
This measure should help limit the influx of irregular migration to the Netherlands. Persons who do not meet the conditions to enter or stay in the Netherlands are to be transferred on the basis of European regulations and existing agreements with member states, including with Belgium and Germany. The border controls are to be carried out in a way that causes minimal disruption to economic and commuting traffic in the border regions and the relevant authorities have been informed accordingly. Border controls are only to be carried out at airports in relation to specific flights where there is a risk of irregular migration or cross-border crime.
Introduction
The introduction of border controls is a temporary and exceptional government measure which will last for six months, starting on 9 December 2024. European law requires notification to be made four weeks in advance. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee will conduct the border controls within their existing capacity, deploy personnel on the basis of information and risk and actively share information with neighbouring countries. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee will gradually increase the number of controls depending on the available capacity.