Minister Van Hijum: “This bill is an important step towards a stricter European asylum system. This means stronger external borders, more efficient procedures, increased returns, and combating illegal migration.”

On June 12, 2026, the EU Asylum and Migration Pact will come into effect. From then on, there will be one joint European asylum system. The pact includes regulations and a directive that aim to reduce the influx of asylum seekers to the Netherlands and the EU and to better distribute the burdens among member states.

The Asylum and Migration Pact strengthens the European external borders by improving the screening of foreigners and providing a faster procedure for asylum seekers from countries with little prospect of residence in the EU. This procedure must be completed within 12 weeks. This way, it will be quickly clear whether someone can stay or must return. A return procedure will be established at the borders of the EU.

There will also be agreements to align the reception systems in different member states more closely. Additionally, the transit of asylum seekers between different countries must be curtailed.

This will increase the possibilities for detaining asylum seekers who apply for asylum under the Dublin Regulation.