The Dutch government is moving forward with a controversial plan to deport failed asylum seekers to Uganda, despite growing concerns over its legality under European regulations and its ethical implications.
The initiative, championed by Foreign Trade and Development Aid Minister Reinette Klever and Asylum and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber, targets asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal avenues for remaining in the Netherlands.
The plan involves sending these individuals to Uganda if they refuse or are unable to return to their country of origin.
The Dutch government claims this measure is necessary to prevent rejected asylum seekers from disappearing from official oversight, arguing that “without an effective return policy, some of the rejected asylum seekers choose to stay illegally.”
However, critics argue the plan may violate the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee law, which prohibits sending individuals back to countries where they face a risk of persecution.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential violation of the Dublin Regulation, which generally stipulates that asylum seekers must apply in the first EU country they enter.
The plan is intended to deter asylum seekers from so-called “safe countries” from applying in the Netherlands.
However, critics argue this approach undermines the fundamental right to seek asylum and could put vulnerable individuals at risk.
The lack of transparency surrounding the agreement with Uganda and the potential legal and ethical challenges raise serious questions about the Dutch government’s approach to asylum and migration.