Non-stop communications for relief organizations due to the criminalization of illegal residency
Relief organizations in the Netherlands are facing a flood of phone calls from refugees and social care workers concerned about a plan to criminalize illegal residency in the country. Parents of children with legal residency have also begun to reach out to these organizations to express their concerns.
The Dutch House of Representatives recently approved a package of amendments aimed at reducing the rights of asylum seekers, including lowering the privileges granted to those fleeing war zones compared to other refugees. The PVV party added a new proposal at the last moment that criminalizes residency in the Netherlands without official permission, and the proposal also includes the possibility of punishing those who assist undocumented residents. These laws are still awaiting approval from the Senate. The organization "Dokters van de Wereld Nederland" noted a sharp increase in the number of inquiries, as some patients began to avoid healthcare, and caregivers started to hesitate in providing assistance.
"VluchtelingenWerk Nederland" has received over 500 additional inquiries, including questions about the retroactive reduction of residence permit validity or concerns about the cancellation of family reunification plans. The organization expressed its deep regret, emphasizing that these policies affect individuals who are striving to integrate and contribute to society, which increases their feelings of despair, especially amidst the spread of misinformation.
"Voor Werkende Ouders" reported receiving a large number of calls, especially from parents of children with residence permits. Director "Margit Wensimius" explained that these policies contradict the values of humanity and solidarity that are instilled in children at home and in their schools.
For its part, the organization "Ouders & Onderwijs" expressed the same concern, and the director "Lobke Flaming" added that the real impact of these policies becomes evident when classrooms are affected, such as when a girl is denied education or medical support due to not having a residence permit. Parent organizations have signed a letter from the education sector addressed to the Senate, urging it to reject the new laws, pointing out that they violate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the Netherlands has signed.