Previously, the cabinet was defeated by various judges who ruled that the restriction on family reunification conflicts with (inter)national laws and treaties. The cabinet hoped to stay the sentences ahead of an appeal due to take place on Thursday.
Political journalist Leendert Beekman notes that the cabinet does not expect other judges to make different decisions. ‘Therefore, according to the government, the measure is not effective and useful. (…). Eric van der Burg has chosen eggs for his money for now.’
There are also more cases of bringing family members of recognized refugees to the Netherlands, despite the cabinet decision. To “prevent unnecessary procedures,” the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) will not enforce the restriction for now. This only applies to new decisions, Van der Burg points out.
Wish from VVD
The restriction on family reunification is part of the controversial asylum deal between the coalition parties. A relatively large number of asylum seekers arrive in the Netherlands and the system crashes. There aren’t enough shelters. And since recognized refugees with resident status (status holders) do not easily obtain a home, they also keep the beds in the reception centers “occupied”.
To resolve these issues, the cabinet tried to make a deal with the coalition parties, but the VVD in particular held its own. The party wanted that in exchange for the agreement, in which municipalities could be forced, among other things, to take in asylum seekers, there would be less influx of asylum seekers. The Cabinet therefore saw a solution in limiting travel in relation to family reunification. Under the measure, family members of refugees would only be allowed in if someone secured a home in the Netherlands, which would indeed take a long time.