THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Dutch government performed an abrupt U-turn and said Saturday that two Armenian children whose bid for asylum had been rejected could remain in the Netherlands. The decision came after the children, 12-year-old Lili and her brother, 13-year-old Howick, went into hiding ahead of their expected deportations. Police reported in the afternoon they had been found and were being questioned, but would be returned to foster care. The Netherlands was once known as a welcoming nation for migrants but has become tougher in recent years as the number of arrivals soared. State Secretary for Justice and Security Mark Harbers defended the government’s stance Friday, but acknowledged it was a tough decision to deport them.

Source: Washington Post September 08, 2018 10:04 UTC