The leaders of the three parties left in the caretaker government have reached a deal to divide the asylum and immigration portfolio between them, following several days of wrangling.
The post of asylum minister had been held by Marjolein Faber from the far-right PVV, which withdrew from the coalition earlier this month.
Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), Nicolien van Vroonhoven (NSC) and Caroline van der Plas (BBB) have now agreed on how to divide the responsibilities left behind by Faber, including oversight of two controversial pieces of legislation.
Justice minister David van Weel (VVD) will take charge of draft legislation to reduce the number of asylum claims, border controls and illegal immigration while housing minister Mona Keijzer (BBB) will be responsible for proposals to introduce two categories of refugees. She will also take charge of refugee accommodation and legislation to ensure each local authority takes its fair share of refugees – which the coalition plans to withdraw.
Geweldig dat we eruit zijn en het voorstel dat ik gisteren deed om Asiel & Migratie te verdelen onder de drie ministers van BBB, VVD en NSC op steun van NSC en VVD kan rekenen. BBB heeft de impasse doorbroken. Met het akkoord krijgt het BBB ook het @MinIenW en @stasLMZ erbij 💪💚 pic.twitter.com/PmpsDZ3Wvh
— Caroline van der Plas (@lientje1967) June 11, 2025
NSC social affairs minister Eddy van Hijum, who already oversees labour-related migration, will now also be in charge of ensuring failed asylum seekers return to their countries of origin and EU migration strategy.
The parties have also divided up the remaining vacant ministerial posts. Economic affairs will go to the VVD, health to the NSC, and infrastructure to the BBB. The trade portfolio will be downgraded to a junior ministerial role.
All three parties had expressed interest in the asylum role, as immigration is expected to be a major issue in the upcoming general election and the post offers a chance to demonstrate they can manage the portfolio more effectively than the PVV.
The general election will take place on October 29.
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