The Netherlands is set to send dozens of migrants to Uganda, despite expectations that the agreement will face legal challenges.
Migration and Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel told the Financial Times that the “transit hub” in the African country is expected to begin operating next year, even though legal hurdles could arise against the controversial decision.
The minister said the deal was “in compliance with international law, with European law, with our national laws… But of course this will be appealed in the beginning and then we’ll see whether or not that holds up.“
The Dutch government insists that human rights standards have been fully considered, unlike a similar agreement previously negotiated by the Trump administration.
The deal closely mirrors the one approved by Washington last August, which involved sending rejected asylum seekers to Uganda.
Ugandan officials have stated that they will only accept African nationals with no criminal record and no minors.
