The Netherlands will become the last Schengen member state to introduce internal controls at land borders with neighbouring countries, SchengenNews reports.
As announced by Dutch Minister of Migration Marjolein Faber, the country will officially introduce controls at land borders from December 9, 2024.
Minister Faber made this announcement in a press release after cabinet approval. In addition to the statement, the minister also explained that the measure is being introduced in an attempt to tackle illegal migration into the country and to combat human trafficking.
According to Minister Faber, the time has come to concretely address these two issues and he emphasised that border controls are a measure that must be put in place. He said:
“It is time to tackle irregular migration and migrant smuggling in a concrete way. That is why we will start reintroducing border controls in the Netherlands from the beginning of December.”
The Dutch authorities explained that the border controls will be in place for six months. This means that the measure, which will be introduced on the second Monday in December, will initially be in place until June 9, 2025. However, if the situation does not improve, the Netherlands may decide to extend the border controls for a further period.
Currently, the Marechaussee, the Dutch national gendarmerie, conducts random checks at the country’s borders. However, once the measure comes into effect, the checks will become more stringent. Minister Faber said that they will work to minimise the impact of the checks on commuter and economic traffic.
The Dutch decision was influenced by Germany
The Dutch decision to introduce border controls on its land border was influenced by Germany.
Germany decided to introduce checks at all its land borders on September 16 for a period of six months. Since then, anyone entering Germany from any neighbouring country is required to undergo checks.
As explained by German authorities, the main purpose of the increased checks is to put an end to illegal migration.
German authorities said that so far the controls have had a positive effect. It is not yet clear whether the Netherlands will also see a decrease in illegal migration and human trafficking after the introduction of border controls.
In addition to Germany, France has also reintroduced border controls with neighbouring countries, citing illegal migration and terrorist threats.
