Netherlands resumes Dublin transfers of single male asylum seekers to Belgium
The Netherlands has decided to resume Dublin transfers of single, non-vulnerable male asylum seekers to Belgium, following a period in which such transfers were suspended after a Dutch court ruling. In April 2025, the District Court of The Hague, sitting in Groningen, found that single male asylum seekers risked being deprived of adequate reception conditions in Belgium, which could expose them to inhumane or degrading treatment. The ruling led to a halt in transfers under the EU Dublin system.
The Dublin Regulation establishes that asylum applications should be examined by the first EU Member State in which they are lodged. Following the 2025 court ruling, Dutch authorities suspended transfers to Belgium for single male asylum seekers, citing concerns related to reception conditions and access to basic needs.
In a press release dated 18 March 2026, the Dutch authorities announced their decision to resume transfers of single male asylum seekers to Belgium, based on information received from the Belgian authorities suggesting that reception conditions may have improved compared to the previous year. According to Belgian authorities, the reception network managed by Fedasil was reported to be 94% full as of 1 March, with 1,345 people on the waiting list for a reception place. Based on the information provided, the Dutch government has decided to resume transfers, while the timing and operational details have not yet been specified.
The decision has been presented by the Dutch government as part of efforts to ensure the functioning of the Dublin system and to manage pressure on its own reception capacity.
For further information, please read the press release from the Dutch government.