Alderman Pels unhappy with new asylum bill: "Covert criminalization of illegality"

Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at penalizing failed asylum seekers who refuse to cooperate with their return to their home country. Under the bill, these individuals, dubbed return frustrators, could face up to six months in prison or a fine of 5500 euros as a last resort. The proposal replaces a previous attempt to criminalize illegal stay, which failed in the Senate last April due to concerns that even minor humanitarian assistance could lead to criminal liability for others.

Amsterdam Alderman Zita Pels has strongly criticized the measure, labeling it a disguised criminalization of illegal status. Pels argues that punishing individuals who are already in vulnerable and desperate situations is unacceptable and fears it will exacerbate problems on the city streets. Along with other major Dutch municipalities, the city of Amsterdam has officially expressed its opposition to the minister. Officials remain concerned that the proposal will push vulnerable people further into illegality without resolving the underlying challenges of the asylum system.