I saw the news that the Netherlands is considering sending some rejected asylum seekers to Uganda. I guess it may all have started with the EU’s agreement with Türkiye, which keeps millions of refugees in the country. Here are some current and recent attempts to send refugees to the third countries:
The Netherlands-Uganda Proposal
The Dutch government, led by Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV), is exploring the possibility of deporting asylum seekers from African countries who have exhausted all legal avenues to stay in the Netherlands to Uganda[1][2]. This plan is still in its early stages, with the Ugandan government reportedly open to discussions in exchange for financial compensation[2].
Similar Cases in Recent Years
- UK-Rwanda Deal:
The United Kingdom had proposed a similar plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. This plan was announced in 2022 but was rejected by the UK’s Supreme Court in 2023[5]. The new Labour government that came to power in July 2024 has since abandoned this plan[5]. Germany-Rwanda Consideration:
In September 2024, Germany was reported to be considering sending migrants to Rwanda for processing, similar to the UK’s abandoned scheme[6]. Unlike the UK plan, asylum seekers would only be sent for processing rather than being deported to Rwanda[6].Italy-Albania Agreement:
In 2024, Italy implemented a protocol with Albania that allows for the processing of asylum seekers in a center on Albanian territory while they wait for their requests to be answered by Italian authorities[7]. This project started with 12 asylum seekers[7].Denmark’s Efforts:
Denmark has been operating tougher asylum rules for several years, along with Sweden and some Eastern European countries[8].
Challenges and Criticisms
These proposals have faced significant criticism and challenges:
- Human Rights Concerns: There are serious concerns about the human rights implications, especially for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers who could face persecution in countries like Uganda[5].
Legal Issues: Such plans often face legal challenges and may conflict with international law and EU rules[8].
Practicality and Cost: The UK’s Rwanda plan, for instance, cost £700 million of taxpayers’ money without a single flight taking off[6].
Political Controversy: These proposals are often politically divisive, with opposition parties and human rights organizations strongly criticizing them[2][4].
The Netherlands’ consideration of sending asylum seekers to Uganda is part of a broader trend in Europe of exploring “external processing” or “offshoring” of asylum claims. However, these plans have generally faced significant legal, ethical, and practical challenges in implementation.
Citations:
1. EFE – Netherlands Considers Sending Asylum Seekers to Uganda
2. The Guardian – Netherlands Mulls Sending Rejected African Asylum Seekers to Uganda
3. Barron’s – Dutch Probe Plan to Send Rejected Asylum Seekers to Uganda
4. Dutch News – Government to Probe Plan for Failed Asylum Seekers to Uganda
5. 76 Crimes – Refugees: Netherlands’ Uganda Plan
6. Sky News – Germany Considers Sending Migrants to Rwanda
7. Euronews – Geert Wilders Suggests Flying Rejected Asylum Seekers to Uganda
8. Dutch News – Schoof Heads for Brussels Summit to Focus on Immigration
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