Netherlands: Asylum seekers more often suspected of crimes

Asylum seekers are more often suspected of punishable crimes than ethnic Dutch.  5.4% of immigrants who are waiting for their residence permit has been suspected of criminal behavior.  In the general Dutch population older than twelve the number is 1.5%.

This according to a report published Friday by the department of the Police Academy.

Looking only at "allochtone" immigrant groups, the percentages are much higher.  6.1%  of Moroccans are suspected and 7.5% of the Antillians.

[ed. By allochtone I suppose they mean here non-Western immigrants]

The reason for this difference?  Asylum seekers spend a lot of their time in asylum centers, where life consists mostly of waiting.  Additionally, traumas from the past might play a role.

Asylum seekers commit crimes to support themselves.  Many times they also commit crimes in an attempt to secure their stay in the Netherlands.  Many crimes are also committed in connection with addiction.  

Edwin Huizing, manager of VluchtelingenWerk Nederland says in reaction that the study makes clear that a lot of suffering can be prevented by a shorter asylum procedure and by allowing asylum seekers more possibilities for work.  

Huizing also says he's satisfied with the study, which unlike previous studies which he says have been slanted, brings the numbers in context.

He also points out that asylum seekers are generally suspected of crimes which do not involve violence such as shoplifting.

Source: Telegraaf (Dutch)

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