German authorities stop the deportation of expelled persons to Dutch border cities
German authorities will no longer randomly drop expelled migrants at the Dutch border, following complaints from local communities and a new agreement with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. This decision came after reports of more than 150 people being left unsupervised in Dutch towns.
In recent months, cities like 's-Heerenberg in Gelderland have experienced a sense of unease due to migrants being left without guidance. One resident told NOS: "If you were dropped off here from a car, where are you supposed to go?" This has led to a feeling of insecurity among local residents.
According to the new rules, returning migrants to the Netherlands will only be dropped off at locations where public transport is available. A spokesperson for the march said this ensures that migrants do not wander around or cause disturbances in communities.
The German and Dutch authorities have agreed to distribute returning migrants across several border towns to avoid concentrating them in certain areas. The mayor of Montferland, Anne-Marie Fellinger, described the new arrangement as "humane, safe, and dignified," emphasizing the need for clear guidance and ensuring the availability of shelter or safe subsequent steps.
These measures come amid broader border control policies. Germany imposed inspections last September to curb illegal immigration, followed by the Netherlands with additional checks in December. A local official, Mayor of Baarle-Nassau Marjon de Hoon-Veelenturf, warned that internal controls had previously caused traffic congestion and unsafe diversions, reducing economic potential, highlighting the need for cooperative and organized border management.