With just hours to go before Thursday evening’s key vote, MPs from the NSC are still undecided on whether to back two new bills aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers coming to the Netherlands.
The proposals were drawn up by the previous right-wing coalition, which has since collapsed. However, the three parties still cooperating, including the NSC, agreed to press ahead with what they described as the “toughest asylum policy ever”.
During this week’s votes on amendments, MPs narrowly approved a new provision making it a criminal offence to be in the Netherlands without proper documentation, as well as to help people in that situation.
That shift was enough to change the minds of the Christian Democrats, who will now vote against both bills. Their support is crucial in the upper house, where the coalition parties do not have a majority.
On Thursday, it emerged that the NSC also has serious reservations about criminalising support for undocumented migrants.
NSC MP Diederik Boomsma told reporters the party wants clarity about the consequences. “Showing compassion or giving someone a bowl of soup should never be a criminal offence,” he said.
The party has now called for a cabinet briefing on the implications of the measure before deciding how to vote.
One of the two laws would abolish permanent residency status for refugees, requiring them to reapply for permission to stay every three years.
It would also stop settled refugees from being joined by their partners and children until they have lived in the country for two years and have a home and an income. Adult children would be excluded from the ruling altogether.
The other bill would introduce a “two-tier” asylum system, separating refugees who fled their home countries because they faced persecution for their ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion, and those fleeing unstable situations such as a war or natural disaster.
The Council of State said there was no evidence that the measures would have the desired effect of bringing down refugee numbers, while the IND and the refugee accommodation service COA said it would add to their workload.
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