The Dutch government has announced plans to deport failed asylum seekers to Uganda, a move that has stirred controversy and concern among European officials.
The policy targets individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected and who are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin. Those in this category will be sent to Uganda until they can be returned to their final destination.
Ministers Reinette Klever, responsible for Foreign Trade and Development Aid, and Marjolein Faber, in charge of Asylum and Migration, have defended the policy, calling it “innovative” and in compliance with European regulations, including the European Convention on Human Rights.
Officials from the Foreign Ministry have stated that the initiative is necessary to prevent rejected asylum seekers from disappearing under the radar. “Without an effective return policy, some choose to stay illegally,” the ministry explained.
The Dutch government aims to deter asylum seekers from so-called “safe” countries from seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
Minister Klever first brought up the idea of deporting asylum seekers to Uganda during her visit to the country in October.
However, at the time, Uganda’s Foreign Ministry denied any knowledge of such an agreement, clarifying that their discussions had been focused on supporting Uganda’s existing asylum programs.
Despite this, Klever insists that negotiations with Uganda are ongoing, though details remain scarce. “In recent months, the special envoy for migration has traveled to Uganda for confidential talks,” she stated.
As the Dutch government moves forward with the plan, the international community continues to watch closely as the situation evolves.
