Focus on border controls
For many people in the Netherlands, immigration and integration are serious societal problems. According to the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, people are particularly concerned about the influx of asylum seekers. Reducing the number of asylum seekers is one of the Schoof government’s key priorities.
In November 2024, Minister Marjolein Faber of Asylum and Migration (A&M) announced the reintroduction of internal border controls, and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) has intensified border controls with Belgium and Germany since December. The Netherlands Court of Audit is conducting a focus investigation in order to identify the policy’s results.
Why are we carrying out this investigation?
Six months after the reintroduction of border controls, the Minister of A&M can decide to continue them for a further half year. We gather from questions in the House of Representatives that parliament would like more insight into policy implementation and results. The investigation will inform parliament of the results of border controls.
What are we investigating?
The investigation will focus on the results of border controls and the consequences for KMar. We will investigate the results of the intensified border controls, determine the consequences for KMar and map out the financial implications.
Focus investigation
A focus investigation differs from an audit in that it is carried out in a considerably shorter period of time, looks at current events and answers specific, well-defined questions. A focus investigation culminates in a clear, concise report without opinions or recommendations. For more information, see Focus investigation. This investigation will assist in the evaluation of policy and provide facts to inform parliamentary debate of the policy.
Do you want to take part in this investigation?
The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our investigation. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.
We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.