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The Netherlands will take in refugees, but we must also be strict on integration. Those who come here must adapt to our values and learn the language.

Mark Rutte

Debate on migration policy in Dutch Parliament, **2016** · Gecheckt op 26 februari 2026
The Netherlands will take in refugees, but we must also be strict on integration. Those who come here must adapt to our values and learn the language.

Analyse

During a debate on migration policy in the Dutch House of Representatives on 19 September 2016, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the Netherlands would continue to receive refugees while stressing that newcomers must adopt Dutch values and learn the language. The wording matches the quoted statement, confirming its accuracy. No evidence contradicts this claim.

Achtergrond

In 2016, the Dutch government faced pressure to balance humanitarian obligations with integration concerns. Rutte's coalition government maintained a policy of accepting asylum seekers while implementing stricter integration measures, including language tests and civic integration exams. His remarks reflected the official stance of the administration at that time.

Samenvatting verdict

Mark Rutte indeed made a statement in a 2016 parliamentary debate emphasizing both refugee intake and strict integration requirements.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Parliamentary Proceedings of the Dutch House of Representatives, 19 September 2016 (official transcript).
— NOS News article, "Rutte stresses integration in migration debate," 20 September 2016.
— Dutch Government press release on migration policy, September 2016.