Statistics sometimes show higher crime rates among people who have moved to the Netherlands. You might hear this argument used against refugees, but that is not the whole story. Another part of the story is the connection between crime rates and socio-economic factors. Aspects such as age, gender, and wealth are linked to the level of crime in a population. When these factors are taken into account, the disparity between criminal activity among asylum seekers and Dutch citizens disappears. This suggests that the observed higher levels of criminal activity are less about one's immigrant status and more about the challenging socio-economic circumstances that many asylum seekers live in.

Read more about the living environment of asylum seekers here.

Fears based on falsehoods

People are scared the arrival of refugees will lead to a less safe society with higher crime rates. This feeling does not arise out of nowhere; the narratives about immigrants have become increasingly negative. Although many of the widely held beliefs are inaccurate or miss nuances, they continue to induce fear. For example, the claim that the number of crimes committed by refugees has increased is untrue. Rather, the crime rate among immigrants and refugees has been decreasing for years.

Similarly, people fear that the opening of a COA location [read definitions here] will lead to increased crime in their neighbourhood. Research shows that this isn't the case; crime rates in neighbourhoods do not change when a COA centre is opened.

Criminal asylum seekers staying in the Netherlands

Refugees who are granted residence status are unlikely to commit crimes. In 2023, only 1.1% of immigrants were suspected of criminal activity. Moreover, the Dutch government can deny an asylum seeker’s residence permit if they have committed a serious offence, which helps prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining residency in the Netherlands.

Additionally, the chance of asylum seekers committing crimes is closely linked to their chances of receiving asylum. In other words, refugees who are ultimately granted protection and settle in the Netherlands are among the least likely to commit crimes compared to other groups of asylum seekers.

Refugees as victims

An aspect that is often forgotten about crime and refugees is that asylum seekers are more likely to become victims of crime themselves. Many find themselves in a vulnerable position: they may not speak the language, lack strong support system, and be unfamiliar with the justice system. Furthermore, many asylum seekers are afraid that reporting a crime might hurt their chances of getting a residence permit. Because of this, crimes often go unreported, leaving asylum seekers even more vulnerable.

The group overshadows the individual

Media coverage has a big influence how the population perceives certain groups. Researchers who analysed and compared previous studies on media coverage on immigrants found that refugees are often discussed perceived as one cohesive group, and rather than as individuals. The media frequently portrays minority groups like refugees in a negative light, depicting like a threat to safety, economy, and public health. Moira Grant McLoughlin further enhances this finding in her research. She found that most stories about refugees exclude their voices and perspectives. By doing so, the perception that ‘all refugees are the same’ is strengthened even more, a stereotype that affects many.

To read more about the depiction of refugees in the media, go to this article.