The possibility of sending asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected to Uganda has been discussed by a Dutch minister, as the government pushes ahead with measures to curb illegal immigration.

The minister of foreign trade and development cooperation, Reinette Klever, visited Uganda this week and discussed the issue with ministers from that country, public television NOS reported.

“We want to put the brakes on migration and it is important that rejected asylum seekers return to their countries of origin. And this is sometimes delayed. We have a long-standing relationship with Uganda and it is a welcoming country,” the minister assured.

Klever comes from Geert Wilders‘ Freedom Party (PVV).

When asked about these statements, a government spokesperson commented that Klever had “discussed at length some possibilities of receiving” migrants in the region, including Uganda. “This project is still in its infancy” and the Dutch government “should first investigate Uganda’s intentions and what is legally feasible and desirable,” Gerun van Domelen added.

Wilders’ PVV won the parliamentary elections and its leader has promised to stick to “the strictest immigration policy” ever implemented to tackle the “asylum crisis” in the Netherlands.