First vote on asylum laws: illegality and assistance to illegal immigrants punishable

The amendment was adopted after a roll call vote. Several left-wing opposition parties were absent, due to Keti Koti, the slavery commemoration in Amsterdam.

The Lower House will vote on the entire laws on Thursday. After that, it is up to the Upper House. It is still unclear whether the laws can count on a majority in both Houses.

Support for both laws still uncertain

In the Lower House, support from the PVV is needed, in the Upper House support from the CDA. But what both parties will do is still uncertain. Many amendments from the PVV and the CDA have been rejected by a majority.

"You'll have to wait until Thursday," said PVV leader Geert Wilders. "I still have to take a good look at the whole puzzle and I think it's fair to do that together with the faction," said Henri Bontenbal (CDA).

Two amendments from the PVV were rejected by the Lower House. These are proposals to have asylum seekers sign a declaration against Sharia (Islamic customary law) upon arrival and to withdraw the Distribution Act more quickly.

The CDA wanted to delay the introduction of the 'two-status system'. The CDA wanted to link it to the introduction of the European migration pact in June 2026, but that was also rejected.

What exactly does the law say?

The strict asylum laws are two laws from the government program of the Schoof cabinet. Former PVV minister Faber of Asylum and Migration submitted the laws, but because the PVV has left the cabinet, ministers Van Weel and Keijzer are taking over the handling.

The 'emergency asylum measures act' makes it more difficult to allow families to come to the Netherlands. This is also called subsequent travel. The intention is also to abolish the permanent residence permit. The plan is to instead only issue temporary residence permits to asylum seekers who are allowed to stay, after three years it will be assessed whether they can be extended.

The second law introduces the so-called 'two-status system'. In the 'two-status system' a distinction is made between people who flee because they are in danger in their country because of ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion, and people who flee from war and (natural) violence. Asylum seekers from the latter group can return when peace has returned and therefore receive fewer rights. Currently, this distinction does not exist.