Additional resources for repatriating asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies

The government has given the Immigration Service (DVZ) the green light for additional resources. As a result of this, capacity at the Service’s detention centres can be increased: from 452 to 605 places (+34%). However, increased capacity requires increased staffing, and so an additional 97 employees will be hired. The financing will primarily come from income from the fees for certain residency applications.

“An average of 40% of asylum applications are refused,” says Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken. “For a significant portion of these asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies, we must organise a compulsory return to their country of origin. But you need places for them to stay as well as manpower.”

“Returning is the logical final step in a coherent asylum and migration policy,” states Francken. “An efficient repatriation policy also reduces the chance that additional, unnecessary procedures will be submitted. The Immigration Service must be able to ensure that these asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies receive the necessary follow-up. Voluntarily if possible, but obligatorily if necessary.”