The Netherlands encourages developing countries to cooperate in return of aliens

Press release | 10-06-2011

The Netherlands will be doing more to ensure that governments in developing countries cooperate constructively in the return of aliens.

These are aliens who must leave the Netherlands following an unsuccessful asylum application or illegal residence here.

This was decided by the cabinet in response to a proposal made by the Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation, Ben Knapen, and the Minister for Immigration and Asylum Policy, Gerd Leers. They are sending a letter on this subject to the House of Representatives.

The Netherlands has made €9 million a year available for assisting developing countries with migration policy and development. If a developing country does not cooperate, this may have consequences for bilateral cooperation and for the development relationship with the government in question.

Support for former asylum seekers

The government wants to help former asylum seekers who return to their country of their own accord to rebuild their lives. This can be done with money, or by providing training or education, or help in finding work. If unaccompanied minors are to be sent back, high-quality reception facilities must be available.

The Netherlands wants to work with other European countries to create such facilities in countries of origin, and to trace family members of minor aliens. Former asylum seekers who are unwilling to return of their own accord may be forcibly expelled. In such cases, it is important that countries of origin are willing to cooperate and issue replacement travel documents.

Combating illegal immigration at EU level

The Netherlands is also keen to work with other EU countries to combat illegal immigration, and encourage the return and protection of refugees in their own region. The European Union has earmarked €179 million for migration policy and development in developing countries for the period 2011-2013. The Netherlands will argue that funding should continue to be available post 2013. However, the EU should also see constructive cooperation as a condition for bilateral development aid channelled via the government budget of the country in question.

Reception facilities in the refugee's own region

The Netherlands is also keen to strengthen the reception and protection of refugees in their own region, in cooperation with the UNHCR and host countries. This can take the form of emergency aid to cope with initial reception (e.g. in refugee camps), or long-term development aid, with a view to improving the economic situation of the refugees and of the host countries.

Assistance with migration policy

Moreover, the Netherlands will continue to offer countries of origin assistance in drawing up and implementing migration policy and in increasing the positive contribution of migration to development. This cooperation is not limited to the 15 partner countries; all developing countries are eligible.

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