Netherlands government implements measures to limit population growth

The Dutch government has announced a plan to cap its population to between 19 to 20 million residents by 2050, reflecting concerns over migration and economic stability. Recently, Immigration Minister Marjolein Faber and Social Affairs Minister Eddy van Hijum briefed MPs, stating that a more selective approach to immigration is essential for the nation’s economic prosperity, particularly considering the aging population of 18 million. They noted that while moderate growth could mitigate some impacts, the rising numbers of emigrants and deaths could complicate future demographic needs. As part of this initiative, the government has formulated a package of measures that includes limiting asylum permits and increasing control at borders. This aligns with the government's previous advisory body recommendations stating the need for up to three million additional immigrants to maintain economic balance by 2040. However, the recent statistics indicated a slowdown in immigration numbers, with a net increase of only 46,000 in the first six months of 2024. As the country faces demographic shifts and considers asylum reform, the government's hard-right coalition appears committed to tightening immigration policies while simultaneously addressing economic challenges. These measures have drawn parallel comparisons with similar initiatives in Switzerland aimed at capping their population to 10 million in the coming years, emphasizing a trend among European nations grappling with immigration policies amidst growing far-right political influence.