The checks resumed on December 9 and apply to land borders and airports identified as high-risk for illegal migration or cross-border crime.
Dutch Minister for Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber, a representative of the right-wing Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders, visited a border checkpoint with Germany in connection with these measures. She noted that the aim of the checks is “to reduce the illegal influx of migrants into the Netherlands.”
At the same time, 46 mayors of border towns expressed dissatisfaction with the new measures, warning that they could create additional problems for local residents and businesses. The Netherlands has around 800 border crossings, ranging from checkpoints on major highways to small crossings on forest trails.
The specific locations of the checks are unknown, but they are unlikely to cover most border crossings due to a lack of personnel. Police stated that most people crossing into the Netherlands will not notice any changes.
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, responsible for border control, has always conducted random checks at the border. Officials explained that the number of checks will increase because the standard temporary restrictions on how long a patrol can remain at one location will no longer apply.
However, Minister Faber insisted that the measures “are not symbolic and will undoubtedly have an impact.”
