4 days Ago
Amendment Criminalising Assistance to Undocumented People Fuels Controversy
Debate around the bill raged after an amendment from the PVV was accepted. This amendment is, in fact, for exporting the sin of being undocumented to the Netherlands itself. It also talks about offering aid to undocumented individuals as criminal behaviour. This led to fierce opposition from the likes of the CDA, NSC and SGP. They said these acts of kindness, like a cup of coffee, some soup or a place to sleep, should not be punished.
In light of these worries, Secretary of State for Asylum Affairs David van Weel sent a letter to parliament at around 10:00 p.m., explaining that the criminalisation would not be applied immediately. Instead, the Council of State will assess the amendment first, followed by its advice being reviewed in the Tweede Kamer. The Minister failed to explain what would happen in the event of a negative opinion of the Council of State.
Opposition Criticises Process and Effect of Amendment
After the letter of the Minister, the CDA still continued to oppose the new laws personally. "This entire legislative week was chaotic," party leader Henri Bontenbal said, adding the measure was "rammed through without time for a sound discussion". He said the proposal to criminalise it is "unacceptable". The amendment was unexpectedly approved on Tuesday and has not been subjected to a broader analysis of its legal and social ramifications. It was also unmentioned in the House before a vote.
The new Two Status System will classify asylum seekers into two categories: one for those running away from political persecution, religious persecution or persecution due to sexual orientation; and one for those trying to escape from war and violence. The second group will enjoy fewer rights. The Asylum Emergency Measures Act also sets out to eliminate the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain and cut the time that asylum seekers can stay. The Senate plans to take up both laws after the summer recess.
