A majority of MPs have called on immigration minister Marjolein Faber to tear up her plans to put signs next to refugee centres warning asylum seekers “We are working here to send you back”.

Coalition party NSC and the one-man right-wing JA21 were among the parliamentary groups calling on Faber not to press ahead with the idea, which has been described as bullying by other coalition members.

CDA leader Henri Bontebal, who drew up the motion calling on the minister to withdraw the plan, said the signs do not contribute to “the need for structural measures to get more grip on migration”.

Faber, a minister on behalf of the far-right PVV, has pledged to introduce the “toughest” asylum regime ever, but has been heavily criticised for her approach so far.

Earlier this week MPs voted for a motion rejecting her plans to introduce crisis legislation and so bypass parliament to deal with the refugee situation.

She has also been forced to admit “making a mistake” when she told local councils repealing legislation to ensure refugees are spread fairly around the country would take one or two years. It can be done much more quickly, she said on Wednesday.

Most local authorities want the legislation to remain in place.