The Hague, July 4, 2025 — The Dutch Parliament approved two bills aimed at tightening asylum policy: the Asylum Emergency Measures Act and a law introducing restrictions on family reunification and suspending the issuance of new temporary residence permits.
These measures aim to reduce the influx of asylum seekers and alleviate pressure on the Dutch asylum system. Among the key changes are shortening the term of temporary residence from five to three years and limiting the possibility of family reunification.
Various NGOs, including Defence for Children Nederland and the Red Cross, have expressed serious concerns, pointing to potential human rights violations and negative impacts on vulnerable populations.
The bills are now under consideration in the upper house of parliament, where their fate will be decided. This is a crucial stage that will determine whether the new restrictions will come into effect and how Dutch asylum policy will change in the coming years.