Netherlands Unveils Comprehensive Long-Term Policy on Returns and Residence
The Hague, Netherlands – July 4, 2025 – The Dutch government has today released a significant piece of legislation, the ‘Long-term policy on returns and residence,’ signaling a renewed and structured approach to managing immigration and ensuring the effective return of individuals who do not have a legal right to stay in the Netherlands. This comprehensive policy, published on the official Government.nl website, aims to provide clarity, consistency, and a humane framework for both those seeking to reside in the Netherlands and those who are expected to depart.
The new policy, effective from July 4, 2025, is built upon several key pillars designed to address the complexities of migration management. At its core, the government emphasizes the importance of a fair and efficient asylum procedure, ensuring that individuals genuinely fleeing persecution or conflict receive the protection they are entitled to. This includes streamlining processes to reduce waiting times and provide greater certainty for applicants.
Crucially, the policy also places a strong emphasis on the concept of return. The Dutch government reiterates its commitment to facilitating voluntary returns, offering support and assistance to individuals who wish to return to their country of origin. This includes reintegration programs and financial aid to help individuals rebuild their lives back home.
For those who do not qualify for asylum or who have exhausted their legal avenues to remain in the Netherlands, the policy outlines a clear and systematic process for return. This approach is characterized by a commitment to dignity and respect for the individual, while also upholding the rule of law. The government aims to enhance cooperation with countries of origin to ensure that returns are conducted safely and effectively.
A significant aspect of this long-term policy is the focus on residence. The government recognizes the contributions that migrants can make to Dutch society and aims to create a clear framework for those who are granted the right to reside in the Netherlands. This includes pathways for integration, such as language courses and access to the labor market, to foster social cohesion and economic participation.
Furthermore, the policy addresses the issue of illegal residence and aims to combat irregular migration. Measures will be implemented to increase the effectiveness of identification and enforcement, while always adhering to fundamental human rights principles.
The development of this ‘Long-term policy on returns and residence’ has involved extensive consultation and consideration of various perspectives. The government has expressed its intent to foster a balanced and sustainable approach to migration, one that upholds both humanitarian values and the interests of Dutch society.
This publication marks a significant step in the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to manage migration in a responsible and humane manner, providing a clear roadmap for the years ahead concerning both the right to reside and the processes for return.
Long-term policy on returns and residence
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