The leaked measures of the cabinet will cause a standstill or delay in contributing to Dutch society for recognized refugees. That is the assessment of the UAF. 'Instead of focusing on possibilities and opportunities through education, they are being deprived of the perspective to participate in society', says Mirjam Huisman, director-manager of the UAF.

Huisman: 'The proposed measures do not contribute at all to the participation of refugees. While there is a screaming shortage of employees in various sectors such as healthcare, education and technology. In fact, hard-working people with a refugee background who have now found their feet, may be deported by this cabinet. That is a waste of talent and resources. Apart from the human side.'

Backfire effect

Measures such as abolishing the asylum permit for an indefinite period and shortening the duration of the permit for a fixed period to three years are shameful, according to Huisman. 'These measures have a counterproductive effect on realising rapid, sustainable and full participation of recognised refugees in our society. In this way, we are wasting talent. That is not good for refugees and not good for the Netherlands.' Huisman also has no good words for abandoning the task for municipalities to house permit holders: 'The shelters are already full of people who have to wait endlessly. That will only get worse.'

Perspective taken away

For over 75 years, the UAF has shown how the Netherlands can utilise refugee talent. We are committed to a society in which refugees can develop and use their knowledge, talents and ambitions and thus contribute to society. Huisman: 'Instead of using the potential of status holders, this emergency asylum measures act deprives them of any chance of perspective'.