Dutch MPs approve asylum exodus The issue of asylum seekers has divided Dutch society The Dutch lower house of parliament has approved a controversial bill from the centre-right government to expel 26,000 asylum seekers. The plans would force the failed applicants, many of whom have lived in the Netherlands for years, to leave over a three-year period. About 2,300 others will be given leave to stay. The new policy is bitterly opposed by large sections of the traditionally tolerant society. DUTCH ASYLUM APPLICATIONS 2000: 43,560 2002: 18,670 2003: Estimated 10,000 Sources: Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics & Dutch Refugee Council...