Netherlands weighs sending rejected African asylum seekers to Uganda

By Merve Berker

The Dutch government is considering a plan to send African asylum seekers, whose applications are rejected, to Uganda, a move that has sparked criticism from the opposition parties, the local media reported on Friday.

Dutch Trade and Development Minister Reinette Klever announced that Uganda is open to discussing the possibility, though the plan is still in its early stages, according to reports.

Klever emphasized that the initiative aims to "curb migration" and would include financial compensation for Uganda in return for hosting the asylum seekers.

While the proposal has gained some support within the ruling coalition, other members have voiced concerns, particularly due to Uganda’s human rights record and its recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Claudia van Zanten from the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) stressed the need for caution regarding the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, while Diederik Boomsma of the New Social Contract (NSC) also acknowledged Uganda’s patchy human rights reputation as a challenge.

Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the proposal, with Jesse Klaver of the Green Left party accusing the government of using it as a distraction from domestic issues.

Critics also drew comparisons to the UK’s scrapped plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which cost taxpayers £700 million (nearly $913.4 million) without success.

Uganda’s Foreign Minister Okello Oryem expressed skepticism, noting that Uganda already hosts 1.6 million refugees and questioned why the European countries deport refugees.

The Netherlands, which received an average number of asylum applications compared to other EU countries, has been working on tightening its immigration policies under the current coalition government led by Geert Wilders.

However, opposition figures and human rights advocates are concerned about the feasibility and legality of the proposed plan.