The Dutch government has temporarily halted decisions on asylum applications from Iranian nationals, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Security. The pause prevents the authorities from forcibly returning Iranian refugees to Iran for the time being.
Although there is no formal moratorium on decisions or departures, the spokesperson confirmed that Iranians may currently remain in the Netherlands regardless of their official residency status. The ministry said it will continue to monitor developments in Iran “to determine whether further steps are necessary.” It is not yet clear how long the freeze will remain in place.
In a letter to Parliament dated 20 January, David van Weel, then Minister of Asylum and Migration, wrote that forced returns to Iran “rarely” occur because Iranian authorities do not issue replacement travel documents. The ministry sent the letter before the outbreak of war in Iran, but after mass protests had been violently suppressed. At the time, the minister stated that the government did not intend to change its policy on Iranian asylum seekers.
The Dutch Council for Refugees has criticised the ministry’s stance, calling it untenable. Earlier on Monday, the organisation urged the government to halt deportations to Iran and to offer protection to Iranians who criticise the regime. The organisation said that the government should grant asylum to Iranian applicants who have expressed opposition in Iran or the Netherlands, or who would wish to do so if returned.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
