Judges are increasingly granting asylum themselves, to the frustration of the IND. 'A landslide'

Judges in the Netherlands are increasingly granting asylum permits themselves, a shift prompted by a recent EU court ruling. This change allows judges to conduct thorough investigations into asylum claims, challenging the traditional role of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). The IND is resisting this trend, arguing that judges lack the resources and expertise to make such decisions. Recent cases show judges overturning IND decisions, citing the EU ruling as justification. However, concerns arise about the practical implications for judges and the potential backlash they may face for their decisions.