In the Amsterdam cultural centre ‘De Rode Hoed’ an atmosphere of anticipation prevails. Graduates, friends, relatives and supporters are packed like sardines in the canalside building. They all have one thing in common: they have once fled from their homeland and sought shelter in the Netherlands.

Most of the students come from the Middle East, former Yugoslavia and Africa. Their degrees are diverse: from dentistry to ICT, from lecturing to pharmacy. Under the wings of the UAF – the Dutch Foundation for Refugee Students, the students received help in the form of scholarships and guidance.

Ruud Lubbers, former prime minister of The Netherlands and UAF's chairman, invited the Minister for Immigration and Asylum Gerd Leers to talk to the group. It is clear that Lubbers seizes the opportunity to express his concerns about the current Dutch climate towards foreigners. “There is too much emphasis on control, enforcing restrictions and cutting back in the current political debate. When people talk about foreigners they often refer to crime, terrorism, threats, costs and problems. This unilateral approach does not reflect the commitment and strength you have shown, and with you many other refugees.”

Lubbers also makes a slight criticism of the present minister Leers, and also of the current Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He reads out some previous quotes by Dutch MPs who spoke positively about the openness of Dutch immigration. It is his hope that the current government will still stand behind these statements. Minister Leers doesn’t mention a word in response to Lubbers, but praises the graduates: "The Netherlands is pleased with you because we need good talent."

Afterwards, Lubbers seems somewhat more positive, as he tells RNW: "I'm worried, but they won’t get us down. I am a member of the refugee family. Days like these are another example of what those people mean in enriching Dutch society. For now, I’m here to celebrate."

RNW talked to African refugee graduates that day. What are their plans for the future? Will they stay in The Netherlands? Or go back?

Marie-Lise Tuyikeze

"There are a great number of opportunities in the Netherlands, but you really have to want them. For now I plan to stay in Europe to work in the import and export sector, though it’s my dream to return to my country one day. I created an association to start with; we seek funds for African farmers so they can cultivate land and breed animals."

Mpanzu Bamenga

"I am a graduate lawyer and I just started a new study in Brussels: European law. I like it here in Europe, I think there is much to do in terms of law. Of course, Congo could also use my help. But it’s very difficult in the Congo, the culture is so different. I've lived here for so long, it’s easier to manage in Europe than over there. There is too much corruption, if you want to make it right you really need to know how you have to work."

Chantal Rumanzi

"I like the international aspect of the study. What I did involved the movement of goods and information all around the world. It’s very exciting. It’s hard to find a job though, I just finished school, I haven’t made any attempts yet to get one. One day I’ll go back. I don’t know when, I quickly integrated here, I have a family here that’s already bigger than my family back in Africa."

Alice Ingabire

"I work part time for the ‘Belastingdienst’, the Dutch tax organisation. I’m still a master's student in auditing. I got lucky: the Belastingdienst pays for my master study. At the moment I don’t have any plans to go back to Rwanda, for now I’m staying here. I’m feeling quite at home. But who knows, plans can change one day."

Abraham

"I haven’t found a job yet, but I’m still applying. I soon hope for an invitation. Of course, I’m thinking about going back to Sudan, but my purpose for now is to experience more here and expand my knowledge. Eventually I think they could use somebody like me."

Perpetue

"I am happy to have found my future here. I studied economics and hope to quickly find a job. This turns out to be quite difficult, given the current economic crisis. I hope for my daughter Naomi that we can stay here for a long time and I eventually hope to find a nice job in a commercial trade company."