Is it possible to deport convicted foreign criminals faster?
In the media image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash+
Germany is experimenting with policies to deport convicted foreign criminals faster. Could it also be done in the Netherlands? Criminology professor Joanne van der Leun discussed the possibility with 'Nieuwsuur': 'New policies are needed.'
Germany is testing a new way to deport the most serious criminal foreigners more swiftly. Convicted criminals are given a choice: a shorter prison sentence in exchange for immediate deportation. Last year, 105 serious offenders made use of this scheme. They chose early release in return for going back to their country of origin. The Netherlands has the same legal option, but in practice it is hardly used, especially when it comes to asylum seekers and residence permit holders.
The Netherlands generally sticks to the same policies, says Joanne van der Leun. 'New policies are needed. But that is hard to put into practice, even though we already have the legislation to do so. The challenge lies in the implementation: sharing information and services that do not communicate well with one another. So we end up choosing foreigners who are easy to deport and have committed less serious crimes. And that’s a shame.'