Population growth continues to decline, significant drop in the number of Syrian immigrants

Between January and September, the Dutch population grew by 62,000, a decrease from 78,000 the previous year. The total population reached 18.19 million. Since 2022, population growth has been declining, primarily due to fewer births than deaths, with growth relying solely on migration. Migration numbers also fell slightly, with 66,000 new residents, 15,000 less than in the same period last year. Syrians remain the largest immigrant group, although their numbers decreased from over 21,000 to nearly 14,000. Asylum applications rose by 8% this year, but the number of applications from Syrians and Eritreans dropped significantly. Family reunifications also decreased, with 3,200 arriving this quarter, primarily from Syria. EU immigration remained stable at 79,000, with fewer EU migrants leaving the country.