The leaders of the three remaining parties in the caretaker government have finalized an agreement to divide responsibilities for asylum and immigration, resolving days of negotiations that followed the withdrawal of the PVV from the coalition. This decision comes as immigration is anticipated to be a central issue in the upcoming general election.

The responsibilities previously held by Marjolein Faber of the PVV will now be distributed among Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), Nicolien van Vroonhoven (NSC), and Caroline van der Plas (BBB). This includes oversight of two contentious pieces of legislation.

Justice Minister David van Weel (VVD) will now oversee draft legislation aimed at reducing the number of asylum claims. Housing Minister Mona Keijzer (BBB) will be responsible for proposals to introduce two distinct categories of refugees.

Social Affairs Minister Eddy van Hijum (NSC), already overseeing labor migration, will expand his duties to include ensuring the return of failed asylum seekers to their countries of origin.

In addition to the asylum and immigration portfolio, the parties have also allocated other vacant ministerial positions. Economic affairs will be managed by the VVD, health by the NSC, and infrastructure by the BBB. The trade portfolio will be reduced to a junior ministerial role.

All three parties initially expressed interest in the asylum role, recognizing its significance in the upcoming general election and the opportunity it provides to showcase their management capabilities in this area. The general election is scheduled for October 29.