Why did immigration become a major political issue in the Netherlands?

Immigration became a major political issue in the Netherlands as the country’s long-standing tradition of tolerance faced new challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While the Netherlands historically welcomed various groups, the arrival of large numbers of Muslim immigrants from Turkey and Morocco led to a more tenuous embrace of diversity.12

This shift fueled a populist turn in politics, characterized by rising nationalism and xenophobia. Tensions were exacerbated by national debates regarding immigrant assimilation, the clash between Christian and Islamic cultures, and high-profile acts of violence, including the assassinations of politician Pim Fortuyn in 2002 and filmmaker Theo van Gogh in 2004.23

In response to these pressures, the government implemented stricter policies, such as requiring potential immigrants to pass tests on Dutch language and culture in their home countries before entry. Anti-immigration parties, most notably the Party for Freedom (PVV), gained significant influence by voicing skepticism toward immigration and European integration, keeping the issue at the forefront of the Dutch political landscape.13