Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Netherlands and Uganda to Cooperate on Asylum Seeker Returns
The Netherlands and Uganda have agreed to work together to send people who were denied asylum in the Netherlands back to their home countries.
These people will temporarily stay in Uganda before going home.
This agreement is a 'letter of intent,' meaning they plan to create a small pilot program.
The Dutch government wants to manage migration.
They plan to consult with the EU and other organizations about the plan.
The legality of the plan is not yet clear and faces similar legal hurdles to a UK-Rwanda deal.
Migration is also a major topic in the upcoming Dutch elections.
In 2024, fewer asylum seekers entered the Netherlands compared to 2023.
The Netherlands and Uganda signed a letter of intent regarding the return of rejected asylum seekers.
Rejected asylum seekers will be temporarily housed in Uganda.
The Dutch government plans to consult with the EU and international bodies.
The plan is to begin with a small-scale pilot transit hub.
The legality of the plan under Dutch and international law is unclear.
- Who
- Netherlands and Uganda
- What
- Signed a letter of intent for returning rejected asylum seekers via Uganda
- When
- The letter was signed at the UN General Assembly; in March, EU proposed allowing migrant centers in non-EU countries.
- Where
- New York, Uganda
- Why
- To get migration under control.
- Countries Involved
- Netherlands, Uganda
- Type of Agreement
- Letter of Intent
- Focus
- Returning rejected asylum seekers
- Location of Signing
- New York, United Nations General Assembly
- Current Dutch Gov
- Caretaker government