In the 1930s, a large number of refugees came to the Netherlands as a result of events in nazi Germany. German social democrats, communists, and Jews sought refuge. A limited number were let in. The refugees were hardly or not at all welcome. Many were therefore sent back as ‘unwanted strangers'. After the Anschluss (1938) and the Reichskristallnacht (1938), the number of refugees increased. The immigration policy was relaxed due to pressure from public opinion. The government left the financial support for those who were let in to private initiatives.
Dutch policy