Oct 17, 2024 Story by: Editor
The Dutch coalition government, led by Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV), is exploring a controversial plan to send rejected African asylum seekers to Uganda. Opposition politicians have already criticized the proposal, calling it “totally unfeasible.”
During a recent trip to Uganda, Dutch Minister for Trade and Development, Reinette Klever, indicated that the cabinet is considering the idea, and that Uganda was “not averse” to it, as reported by the Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Wednesday. Klever provided few details, leaving uncertainty about the legality or practicality of the plan. The proposal involves Uganda receiving asylum seekers rejected by the Netherlands and possibly from nearby countries, though the exact nations haven’t been identified. In return, Uganda would receive financial compensation.
“Our goal is to curb migration,” stated Klever, who represents the PVV.
Her ministry confirmed that discussions around potential accommodations in Uganda and nearby regions were briefly raised during the visit. The plan is still in its early stages, and the Dutch cabinet is currently examining “what is legally possible and desirable,” according to a ministry spokesperson.
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo, expressed openness to the idea. “We are open to any discussions,” Odongo told NOS.
However, another Ugandan official was more skeptical. Okello Oryem, Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, told Reuters on Thursday, “I don’t think Uganda would agree to that,” highlighting that Uganda already hosts 1.6 million refugees from countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Oryem added, “We don’t deport any refugees. Why do European countries deport refugees?”
While Wilders supported the plan on social media, other members of the Dutch coalition were more cautious due to Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and human rights concerns. Claudia van Zanten from the populist BBB party emphasized the need for vigilance regarding LGBTI rights. Diederik Boomsma of the anti-corruption NSC party echoed concerns over Uganda’s human rights record.
Opposition politicians were quick to denounce the proposal. Jesse Klaver from the Green Left Party accused the government of using the plan to divert attention from its failures on other pressing issues. “They are not building houses, they are not managing to keep hospitals open,” Klaver remarked.
D66 leader Rob Jetten criticized the plan as “totally unfeasible and ill-considered,” pointing out that similar schemes proposed by Denmark and the UK had failed. “The result? Zero people went to Africa,” Jetten noted.
The UK’s previous attempt to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, a policy abandoned by the new Labour government, cost British taxpayers an estimated £700 million. The controversial plan was seen as the most extreme example of “offshoring” asylum seekers, as even those with successful claims would have had to remain in Rwanda.
Since coming into power in July, the Dutch coalition government has placed a strong emphasis on reducing asylum numbers, promising the country’s “toughest ever” immigration policies. However, EU data shows that the Netherlands’ asylum requests are in line with the bloc’s average, receiving two first-time asylum applications per 1,000 residents last year. Ten other EU countries, including Germany, Greece, and Spain, reported higher ratios.
This development comes shortly after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested that the EU should explore creating “return hubs” outside its borders, citing a deal between Italy and Albania as a potential model. Source: The Guardian
