Asylum minister Marjolein Faber (PVV) has confirmed her refusal to rubber stamp the inclusion of five volunteers who worked for government refugee settlement organisation COA in the annual king’s birthday honours list.

“Their work is diametrically opposed to my policy, I am in favour of a strict asylum policy because  I want to limit the number of asylum seekers and the number of residency permits as well,” she told broadcaster NOS.

The minister’s signature under the nomination would normally be a formality. Nominations for a lintje, or royal honour, are made by citizens on behalf of people who put themselves out for others as volunteers. These are then vetted by a dedicated committee. It is then for the minister to sign the nomination, followed by the king.

COA chairman Milo Schoenmaker said the organisation had been “greatly surprised” by the refusal. “We think it is only right that people who give their all to help others should be honoured,” he said.

Coalition partners VVD, NSC and BBB have also spoken out against the minister. NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt called her decision “bizarre”, while BBB leader Caroline van der Plas said it was “very, very sad”. “Let’s all behave like grown-ups and thank volunteers for their hard work,” VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz commented. 

Leader of opposition partner CDA Henri Bontenbal said the honours were “asked for by people in society for others in society. Not everything is political. Minister Faber has gone beyond what is decent,” he said.

In a joint reaction on LinkedIn, the king’s commissioners  warned that “not signing the nominations based on personal policy preferences can undermine the objectivity of the system and lead to unwanted politicising.”

The minister’s refusal does not mean the volunteers will be left empty-handed.  Their nominations will now have to be signed by another minister.

PVV party leader Geert Wilders took to social media in support of his minister saying, “Why should we reward people who help pamper asylum seekers by giving them a royal distinction? Great work by Faber”.