The Netherlands and Uganda will collaborate to facilitate the return of those subject to departure obligations via Uganda to their country of origin in the region. Minister David van Weel of Asylum and Migration and Foreign Affairs and his Ugandan counterpart Odongo Jeje Abubakhar of Foreign Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding today in New York, where they are participating in the UN General Assembly.
The collaboration is aimed at foreigners who must leave the Netherlands and come from countries in the region of Uganda and who cannot independently or forcibly leave the Netherlands within a reasonable time. They will be temporarily accommodated in Uganda at a reception location. From there, they must depart for their country of origin. This collaboration is part of the broad and good relationship between Uganda and the Netherlands.
Just like in the Netherlands, the aim is for this to happen voluntarily with the usual return support. The Netherlands and Uganda will further develop the memorandum of understanding in the coming period. Ultimately, this should lead to a small-scale trial with a so-called transit hub for a limited number of rejected asylum seekers.
Foreigners without lawful residence, for example because their asylum request has been rejected, must leave the Netherlands and return to their country of origin. The focus is on voluntary departure. If someone does not cooperate, forced departure follows. If departure ultimately fails because, for example, the person involved and the country of origin do not cooperate, options are often exhausted. The transit hub is an expansion of the Netherlands possibilities to still achieve departure in these cases.
Therefore, the cabinet is focusing on this closer migration cooperation with Uganda. The ministers emphasize that the agreements regarding a transit hub must comply with national, European, and international law. The legal and practical implementation must be carried out carefully, ensuring that (human) rights are protected.
Minister Van Weel: “We need to look at what is possible. That is why we are taking this step together with Uganda to gain control over migration. Naturally, the protection of human rights of those returning to their country of origin via Uganda is paramount.”
With the signing of these agreements, the Netherlands and Uganda confirm their good mutual relationship. Furthermore, the Netherlands clearly demonstrates its pioneering role within Europe regarding innovative solutions to gain control over migration. The cabinet has been in close contact with the European Commission and international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR in the development of the concept.
