Algerian nationals whose requests for asylum have been refused can once again be held in detention pending their deportation, the highest Dutch court ruled on Monday.

The Council of State said earlier that Algerians could not be held because there was no real prospect of deportation. However, the Algerian authorities are now accepting temporary travel documents, which means they can now be deported within a reasonable timescale.

This, in turn, means the justice minister can once again place Algerians in a secure unit, pending their deportation. Junior justice minister Eric van der Burg has welcomed the ruling, describing it as an “important step”.

The Netherlands has been struggling to deal with people, usually young men, from safe third countries such as Algeria and Morocco, who apply for asylum but have no hope of it being granted.

Algeria was removed from the safe third country list in 2021 because of concerns about human rights violations. However, the percentage of Algerian nationals granted refugee status last year remains zero, according to immigration service figures.

Last year, according to justice ministry figures, the Netherlands asked for travel documents for 141 Algerian nationals so they could be sent back.

Four people have also now been deported, broadcaster NOS said.