LGBTQ+ : Netherlands To Consider Sending Rejected African Asylum Seekers to Uganda

The Dutch coalition government, led by Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV), is exploring a controversial plan to send rejected African asylum seekers to Uganda. The proposal, revealed during a visit to Uganda by Dutch trade and development minister Reinette Klever, has been met with criticism, with opponents calling it “totally unfeasible.”

Klever confirmed the government is considering offering Uganda financial compensation in exchange for hosting rejected asylum seekers from African countries, though details of the plan remain vague. The scheme would reportedly target those from Uganda and neighboring nations, though the exact list of countries has not been disclosed.

“In the end, we want to curb migration,” Klever stated, reflecting the PVV’s hardline stance on immigration. However, her ministry noted that discussions were still in the early stages as the Dutch cabinet assesses the legal and logistical feasibility of such an arrangement.

Uganda’s foreign affairs minister, Jeje Odongo, expressed openness to discussions, but Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem, sounded less enthusiastic. “I don’t think Uganda would agree to that,” Oryem told Reuters, emphasizing that Uganda is already home to 1.6 million refugees from countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He added, “We don’t deport any refugees. Why do European countries deport refugees?”

Wilders welcomed the initiative on social media, but the proposal has sparked unease among other members of the four-party coalition government. Uganda’s recent passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, often referred to as the “Kill the Gays” law, and the country’s broader record on human rights have drawn scrutiny.

“We have to be very vigilant when it comes to LGBTI people,” warned Claudia van Zanten of the populist farmer’s party BBB. Diederik Boomsma of the anti-corruption NSC also noted concerns over Uganda’s poor human rights reputation, which could complicate any potential deal.

Opposition leaders were quick to denounce the proposal. Jesse Klaver, leader of the Green Left party, accused the government of using the plan as a distraction from its domestic failings, including the lack of progress on housing and healthcare. Rob Jetten, leader of D66, described the idea as “totally unfeasible and ill-considered,” citing previous failed attempts by Denmark and the UK to implement similar programs. “The result? Zero people went to Africa,” he pointed out.

Critics argue that Uganda’s severe anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and history of human rights violations make it an unsuitable destination for asylum seekers, with many questioning the ethics and practicality of the proposed scheme.

In the Netherlands, there has been political support for exploring return hubs in countries like Uganda. Several coalition parties have expressed positive opinions about the idea. Similar policies have been considered across Europe, with Germany proposing deals with Uzbekistan to manage Afghan asylum seekers, and Italy establishing migrant reception centers in Albania.

While the plan remains in its early stages, there are significant legal and humanitarian hurdles to address before such a deal could be finalized. For now, discussions continue between the Netherlands and Uganda on what could be a groundbreaking, albeit controversial, approach to managing rejected asylum seekers.