Dutch PM unveils toughest asylum policy

THE HAGUE: Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Friday unveiled the Netherlands´ strictest migration policy yet, saying the country will request an opt-out from EU common policy on asylum next week.

A four-party coalition dominated by far-right MP Geert Wilders´ Freedom Party wants to declare an “asylum crisis” to curb the influx of migrants through a set of tough rules, including border controls. “We cannot continue to bear the large influx of migrants into our country,” Schoof told journalists at a press conference in The Hague.

“People are experiencing an asylum crisis,” the premier said at the presentation of the government´s plans for the next three years. “That is why we will soon introduce an emergency measure consisting of multiple procedures to make migration and asylum stricter,” he said.

“We will focus on the rapid departure of those who cannot stay and an accelerated procedure for asylum applications that have no chance of success,” added Schoof.