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Netherlands extends border controls for 6 months to curb irregular migration

Xinhua
| November 11, 2025
2025-11-11

THE HAGUE, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government will extend border controls for another six months until June 8, 2026, Minister for Asylum and Migration David van Weel announced in a statement on Monday.

Van Weel said the decision was necessary to counter the "ongoing impact of irregular migration and cross-border crime." He emphasized that protecting public order is a priority and that all necessary measures are being taken to shield the migration system from further strain.

The controls, first implemented in December 2024, are conducted by the Dutch military police, known as the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, at the borders with Belgium and Germany, as well as on international trains and selected flights deemed high-risk, according to the statement.

Van Weel said the Dutch government was working to minimize the impact on the economy, traffic, and border communities.

Since their inception, 470 foreigners have been denied entry at the land borders, and 230 people have been arrested for offenses including document fraud and human smuggling, according to the statement. Controls were expanded to airports in late July, leading to 20 return orders being issued after 500 flights were checked.

The Netherlands shares land borders with Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. Enditem

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