After difficult consultations, an agreement has been reached among Dutch parties BBB, NSC, and VVD regarding the division of the Asylum and Migration portfolio, previously held by PVV minister Marjolein Faber. The decision comes ahead of elections scheduled for October 29.

The portfolio will be split among the three parties, with Minister David van Weel (VVD) continuing to oversee the asylum portfolio as an observer. Deputy Prime Minister Eddy van Hijum (NSC) will take responsibility for international migration policy and the Repatriation and Departure Service, adding to his existing responsibility for labor migration. Deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer (BBB) will be responsible for the reception of asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees, in addition to her existing duties concerning housing status holders.

The handling of two laws left behind by Faber has also been decided. Van Weel will be responsible for the Asylum Emergency Measures Act, while Keijzer will handle the law concerning the reintroduction of the two-status system, abolished in 2001, and the withdrawal of the Spreading Act.

Earlier discussions were described as being at an ‘impasse’, but an agreement was reached after further talks. BBB leader Caroline van der Plas stated that the outcome ‘is the best for the country’.

Additional agreements stipulate that the VVD will receive the post of Economic Affairs, while the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport will go to NSC. Infrastructure and Water Management will be managed by BBB. There will be a state secretary, instead of a new minister, for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

The staffing of the positions remains to be determined, pending security screenings of the new candidates.