The Netherlands has announced it will implement temporary land border checks starting December 9, 2024, citing illegal migration concerns. This move comes as the country faces increased pressure on its asylum system due to a surge in migrants.
About the Netherlands’ new measure
Dutch Migration Minister Marjolein Faber said these controls aim to reduce the flow of undocumented migrants and address human trafficking. Furthermore, they will only run for six months, until June 9, 2025.
However, if there are no improvements to the situation, the Netherlands might further extend the control checks. Under the European Union law, member countries must give four weeks’ notice to Brussels before restricting freedom of movement.
“It is time to tackle irregular migration and migrant smuggling in a concrete way,” Faber remarked. “That is why we will start reintroducing border controls in the Netherlands from the beginning of December.”
At the moment, the Netherland’s Marechaussee conducts spot checks at the country’s borders. But once the temporary land border checks take effect, these will be stricter. The Marechaussee are the Netherlands’ and France’s national police force. Faber has emphasized that they will strive to minimize the checks’ impact on commuters.
Netherlands taking cue from Germany
Many believe that Germany has a big influence on the Netherlands’ decision to impose land border controls. In September, Germany similarly introduced checks at its land borders in order to detect irregular migration and human trafficking.
In addition, it was carried out following a number of extremist attacks in October. The EU states that member nations may introduce internal controls in the event of a serious threat. However, they must only do so in exceptional situations and within a limited timeframe. Dutch authorities provided assurance that it would work closely with its partners in neighboring countries throughout the border control period.
Since its adoption, the more stringent border controls have produced positive results for Germany. Earlier, in October, German authorities had reportedly denied entry to 1,000 individuals. Moreover, they have also tracked undocumented entries and cases of smuggling.
Impact on the Schengen zone
Apart from Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, and Luxembourg have also implemented similar measures. It will take some time before the Netherlands can confirm whether its new border control checks will prove effective.
Experts warn that the reintroduction of border checks could undermine the principles of free movement within the EU. Nonetheless, the Dutch government insists that these checks are necessary to control migration and maintain public safety.
The temporary border controls, according to the Dutch government, are intended to safeguard public order and national security. They also emphasized that the checks align with European Union regulations.
Looking ahead
Much will depend on whether the controls effectively reduce the influx of migrants to the Netherlands. The government will closely monitor the situation and adjust its policies accordingly.
The upcoming weeks will reveal whether this move successfully curbs migration or if it creates further challenges. As the Netherlands takes this step, other EU nations will watch closely, particularly those already struggling with migration pressures.
Photo by Kaja Sariwating on Unsplash
