Netherlands becomes first EU country to demand opt-out of mandatory immigration rules to focus on its own citizens

The Netherlands government voted on Wednesday to opt out of the European Union's mandatory migration rules when the bloc renegotiates its core treaties. Instead, the country will move to enact stricter migration laws as it directs more focus toward its own citizens, as reported by Reuters.

Illegal immigration has long been a contentious topic in the Netherlands, and the new right-wing administration, led by conservative populist Geert Wilders of the PVV Party, has made it a top priority since taking control of parliament in July.

The PVV Party's goal is to crack down on unwanted migrants and implement the "strictest-ever asylum regime," which includes stricter border checks and harsher criteria for migrants claiming asylum.

The 27-nation EU had just re-negotiated its immigration pact in June, therefore any new negotiations are not expected to happen soon.

After the vote passed in parliament to pull out of the pact, Wilders acknowledged that it "will take a long time" but asserted "it is a sign that a new wind is blowing."

Wilders also praised Hungary for following the Dutch government's lead immediately after their vote saying, "The more support for this the better."

Marjolein Faber, PVV Asylum and Migration Minister, wrote on X that she has "informed the EU Commission that I want a migration opt-out for the Netherlands within Europe."

"We need to be in charge of our own asylum policy again," Faber said. "This government aims to drastically reduce the volume of migration to the Netherlands," she said, adding that it "will call for an opt-out from the European asylum and migration acquis in case of Treaty amendment."

Faber emphasized that the Netherlands would simultaneously enforce the accord, stating that it was "essential" for restricting the influx of migrants. The European Commission responded that it does not anticipate any imminent modifications to the asylum laws, and expressed its appreciation for Faber's commitment to adhering to the current ones.

Under the agreement, each member state of the EU is ordered to accept a portion of the 30,000 asylum seekers that the bloc receives annually, with the allocation being based on the country's economy and population.

Wilders said that the country's immigration facilities are overwhelmed and has expressed his desire for the Netherlands to lose its appeal to asylum seekers, stating that "people in Africa and the Middle East will start thinking that they might be better off elsewhere."