Netherlands Tightens Internal Border Controls

The Netherlands has launched temporary border checks at its crossings with Germany and Belgium to address irregular immigration, Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber announced on December 9, 2024.

The initiative aims to curb the “influx” of migrants and enhance national security.

The border controls will involve random checks and mobile inspections of vehicles and international train passengers over the next six months. However, general restrictions on cross-border traffic are not expected.

The measures fall under Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, which permits temporary border controls in response to serious threats to public order or national security.

With approximately 840 border crossings in the Netherlands, 50 officers have been assigned to enforce the new policy. Police patrols on motorcycles will conduct inspections based on risk analysis, utilising camera footage and vehicle origin to identify potential targets.

The specific timing and location of checks will remain undisclosed.

The border police acknowledged their limited resources compared to neighboring Germany. Despite these constraints, authorities aim to execute the controls strategically without causing major disruptions.

Local Protests and Municipal Concerns

Not everyone agrees with the new measures. Nearly 50 towns along the borders have expressed objections, citing concerns about extra barriers for cross-border passengers and potential harm to local industries.

Many residents regularly commute across the borders for work, school, or shopping, and delays caused by random checks could be disruptive.

Interestingly, the number of asylum seekers entering the Netherlands has remained steady at around 40,000 annually, raising questions about the necessity and effectiveness of the increased border controls.

Collaboration with Germany

To bolster the initiative, Dutch authorities will collaborate with their German counterparts. Germany’s Federal Police in Lower Saxony will join forces with Dutch police at three key checkpoints to streamline processes and improve enforcement.

German authorities believe this cooperation will enhance their ability to prevent illegal entries and manage returns more effectively. While they aim to minimise the impact on commuters, both countries acknowledge the possibility of traffic disruptions, particularly during peak travel times.

As the Netherlands tests these measures, the outcome could set a precedent for other Schengen countries grappling with similar migration challenges. The balance between security and free movement will remain a key issue as authorities navigate this temporary but controversial policy.

What are your thoughts on the border restrictions among Schengen member states? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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