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Asylum Minister Van den Brink: Highly disturbing that we are now seeing migrant boats in Dutch waters as well

Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink has condemned the appearance of a migrant boat in Dutch waters after 36 Afghan individuals were rescued near Cadzand. Two suspected human smugglers have been arrested, and the minister is currently awaiting further investigation results before deciding on potential new security measures.

Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink has expressed deep concern following the discovery of a migrant boat in Dutch waters, which appears to have departed from the Netherlands. Authorities intercepted the vessel near Cadzand last Saturday, rescuing 36 Afghan migrants and arresting two suspected human smugglers from Sudan. The minister stated that he is awaiting the results of an ongoing investigation before considering any additional security measures, though he noted that authorities are remaining highly alert to such activity.

The incident marks the first time that this dangerous method of attempting to reach the United Kingdom has been observed originating from Dutch territory. Previously, similar patterns of illegal border crossings by small, often unpowered rubber boats had been observed in France and Belgium. While it remains unclear if increased coastal patrols elsewhere in Europe have pushed smugglers to seek northern routes, the minister labeled the development as both undesirable and life-threatening for those involved.

Politics Netherlands World

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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