In a significant development, the number of asylum seekers arriving in the Netherlands has dropped to its lowest weekly level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the latest figures from the immigration ministry, around 900 people claimed asylum in the first week of October 2024. This is a notable decrease compared to the 1,400 applications recorded during the same period in 20231.
The autumn season typically sees a peak in asylum applications, but this year, the highest weekly number was recorded in early April, with approximately 1,100 arrivals. The total number of asylum seekers for 2024 so far stands at around 35,000, mirroring last year’s figures. In 2023, the total number of asylum applications reached just over 50,000, with a significant spike in the last three months of the year1.
This decline in asylum applications comes amid ongoing discussions about immigration policies and their impact on the country’s social and economic landscape. The immigration ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the needs of asylum seekers are met while maintaining public order and safety