Germany and the Netherlands have agreed to speed up the return of rejected asylum seekers and to expand cooperation between their security services along the shared border, the German Federal Ministry of Interior announced. President of that ministry, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), met with Dutch Minister for Migration and Asylum Bart van den Brink on Thursday in Berlin to discuss the arrangement.
The talks focused on the swift implementation of the European asylum and migration package. A key element will be the establishment of “Return Hubs” facilities designed to streamline and make the return of rejected asylum seekers more efficient. Both countries plan to coordinate closely when addressing third‑country partners and in the diplomatic aspects of returning migrants.
Security cooperation is also set to deepen. Special units from Germany and the Netherlands will work more closely together, and authorities along the entire border-stretching from Aachen and Maastricht to the North Sea-will be able to exchange information around the clock.
“Germany and the Netherlands are moving forward together on migration policy” Dobrindt said. “One thing is clear: we want to reduce irregular migration and increase returns. We will rely on clear rules and new tools such as the Return Hubs to make the return process more consistent. At the same time, we are making our countries safer. We are working closer together, exchanging information faster, and strengthening police cooperation across the border”.
