The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has started enhanced border checks today as directed by the cabinet, aiming to combat human smuggling and illegal migration. Asylum Minister Faber announced the measure last month, but specifics on the number of checks remain undisclosed.
According to the Marver union, a maximum of fifty officers may be involved. With over 800 border crossings with Belgium and Germany, the practical impact on daily travelers is expected to be minimal.
No barriers or checkpoints will be established, and vehicles will be randomly directed to control posts. Although there are no statistics on the number of daily border crossings, regional employee statistics are available.
The Marechaussee has conducted random checks on roads, trains, waterways, and at airports under Mobile Security Monitoring (MVT). These new checks will extend the duration and scope of inspections, including on international trains, now without limits on the number of carriages inspected.
During a parliamentary debate, concerns about the impact on local traffic were raised, with unanswered questions directed at Minister Faber. Border municipalities have also expressed concerns about potential disruptions.
The Marver union acknowledges these worries but believes they are unfounded, citing budget cuts over the last 25 years that have reduced the Marechaussee’s capacity. The locations and timings of these checks remain undisclosed.
Source: NOS