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Netherlands: Trouble-making asylum seekers given area restriction order during New Year

Xinhua, December 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Notoriously trouble-making asylum seekers will be given an area restriction order over New Year meaning they will not be able to leave the reception center, the Dutch minister for migration Klaas Dijkhoff told the Lower House (Second Chamber) on Tuesday.

"Trouble in and around the COA (Central Reception Organisation for Asylum Seekers) reception centers is unacceptable. For that reason, the policy for trouble-causing asylum seekers from safe countries will be sharpened," said the Dutch government in a press release.

Besides measures announced earlier, such as targeted use of the criminal law, faster asylum procedures, faster Dublin Regulation procedures, less reception, earlier detention of aliens, encouraging departure, and ending financial repatriation support, further steps need to be taken, according to Dijkhoff.

Public order measures can be taken at the local level, such as an area restriction order for a maximum of three months.

This week, municipalities will receive a guide on how to approach the issue.

During the 2015 to 2016 New Year's Eve celebrations, hundreds of sexual assaults and numerous thefts were reported in Germany, mainly in Cologne's city center.

Asylum seekers were reported by some victims to be the perpetrators. When commenting on this event, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said asylum seekers who settle in the Netherlands must conform to Dutch standards and it was crucial that all possible legal measures were used against the perpetrators.

Despite a decrease in the influx of Moroccan and Algerian asylum seekers during recent weeks, the number of asylum seekers from safe countries of origin is still too high, according to Dijkhoff.

Up to November, 22,880 foreign nationals have been ordered to leave the Netherlands. Of these, more than 1,350 were of Moroccan or Algerian nationality.

"The cabinet wants to make agreements with the most important countries of origin about repatriation and the prevention of improper migration to Europe and the Netherlands," said the Dutch government in the press release.

"Asylum seekers from safe countries will, in future, receive a letter immediately after their asylum application has been refused. This will state clearly that they have a duty to leave the Netherlands," it added. Endit