PVV, VVD want inquiry into immigration 01/10/2007 00:00

1 October 2007

THE HAGUE – The opposition parties Freedom party PVV and liberal VVD want a parliamentary inquiry into the Netherlands' immigration policy. The parties say the policy shows serious shortcomings. They want to investigate the root of the problems they have ascertained.

PVV leader Geert Wilders says the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is a "cesspool of disaster." He submitted an initiative memo on Monday calling for a parliamentary inquiry. The VVD, independently of the PVV, also submitted a similar request for inquiry on Monday.

Wilders was enraged at the move. He is glad for the support but feels the VVD is stealing his idea with its initiative. "It is very improper, too childish for words. They are trying to snatch something from us. The VVD is clearly in panic," Wilders said.

Fellow PVV faction member Sietse Fritsma will present a book on Monday afternoon on what he calls a failing immigration policy and problems at the IND, where he was employed for six years. He criticises the regulations for family reunification, among other things.

VVD MP Halbe Zijlstra wants a broad investigation. "We have been hearing for two years all sorts of reports that the IND is making serious mistakes. Those kinds of messages are extremely serious, because it is an important issue."

A parliamentary inquiry is a serious measure that Parliament can use to obtain information on a topic. A majority is needed to organise such an inquiry. An inquiry committee can sub poena witnesses and hear them under oath.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news