Asylum procedures

You are applying for asylum in the Netherlands. Which asylum procedure you go through depends on where you come from and how you came to the Netherlands. Below we explain the different asylum procedures.

General Asylum Procedure (AA/AA+)

This is the standard asylum procedure.

Most asylum seekers go through this standard 6-day General Asylum Procedure (AA). There is also an AA+. The AA+ is a 9-day asylum procedure. Read more about the General Asylum Procedure (AA/AA+).

Extended Asylum Procedure (VA)

The IND cannot make a decision within the time period for the AA/AA+.

The Extended Asylum Procedure (VA) applies if the IND is unable to process your asylum application in the AA or AA+. For example, because more research is needed. In that case, you usually move to a different reception center. Read more on the page Extended asylum procedure (VA).

Repeat Asylum Application (HASA)

You apply for asylum again.

Has the IND rejected your application (negative decision), but something has changed in your situation? Then you can apply for asylum again. Read more on the page Repeat asylum application (HASA).

Dublin Procedure

Another European country has to make a decision on your asylum application.

You apply for asylum in the Netherlands. However, another European country may have to make a decision on your asylum application. The IND does not, therefore, immediately look at why you are applying for asylum. The IND will first investigate whether the Netherlands is responsible for your asylum application. European rules (the Dublin Regulation) state which European country must process an asylum application. Another European country must process your asylum application if:

you apply for (or are given) asylum in that country for the first time; or
you enter Europe illegally via that country for the first time; or
that country has given you a Schengen visa.

If another country is responsible for your asylum application, you may need to return to that country. The IND will check whether this applies to you in the Dublin procedure. Under this asylum procedure you have little chance of being granted asylum in the Netherlands.

The main characteristics of the procedure are:

You will stay and sleep in a reception center.
You have 1 meeting with the IND about your identity, nationality and travel route. You cannot explain the reasons you are applying for asylum. You can, however, explain why you think the Netherlands should process your asylum application. And what you think about the possibility that another country will decide on your asylum application.
You keep the right to reception until you travel to the country that will process your asylum application.
If the Netherlands nevertheless processes your asylum application, this will be done in the AA/AA+.
What if the IND takes a negative decision on your asylum application? If you do not agree with the decision, you can appeal to the court. You usually keep the right to reception. Your attorney will help you with your legal case. Read more on the page Registering an objection or appeal.

Simplified Asylum Procedure

You come from a safe country. Or you are an EU-citizen of you have been given asylum in another EU-country.

If you cannot be protected in your own country, you may be granted asylum in the Netherlands. Are you applying for asylum and are you from a safe country? Or you are an EU-citizen or you already have been given asylum in another EU country? Then you will enter the simplified asylum procedure. Asylum seekers in this procedure have little chance of being granted asylum. The Dutch government determines which country is safe. See the list of safe countries of origin (opens in a new window).

The most important features of the simplified asylum procedure are:

Short processing of your asylum application.
You stay and sleep in a reception center.
You have 1 interview with the IND about your identity, nationality, travel route and why you are applying for asylum. The IND then makes a decision.
Is more research necessary before the IND can make a decision? Then your asylum application continues in the AA/AA+.
Does the IND reject your asylum application (negative decision)? If you do not agree with this decision, you can appeal to the court. You can usually stay in the Netherlands during the appeal procedure. In that case, you usually keep the right to reception. Your lawyer will help you with your legal case. Read more on the page Registering an objection or appeal.

After the court's decision, there are 2 possibilities:

The judge decides that the IND made the right decision. Then you must leave the Netherlands immediately. Your right to reception ends and you are given an entry ban. Read more about an entry ban. You move to a reception center focused on your return to your country of origin. Or you will be placed in immigration detention if the government can deport you. Read more about immigration detention.
Does the judge decide that the IND has not made the right decision? Then your application will continue in the VA-procedure. The IND will make a new decision.

Border Procedure (GP)

You enter the Netherlands via a Dutch airport or seaport.

If you apply for asylum at Schiphol Airport, another airport or at a Dutch port, you will go through the border procedure. In that case, you will receive an information brochure about the border procedure (GP).

The main features of the GP are:

The border procedure lasts 6 (AA) or 9 (AA+) days. The duration can be extended to 28 days.
You will have 2 interviews with the IND. The first is about your identity, nationality and travel route. The second is about why you are applying for asylum.
You will stay and sleep in a closed reception center near Schiphol airport.

The GP stops in the following situations:

You receive asylum. You move to an open reception center until you are allocated a house by the municipality.
The IND needs more time to process your application. The IND processes your application outside the GP. You will move to an open reception center.
Does the IND reject your application? You have a period during which you can appeal. At the end of that period, the GP stops. If you appeal, your lawyer will help you with your legal case. Read more on the page Registering an objection or appeal.
Does the court decide that the IND made the right decision? Then you will not be able to enter the Netherlands. You are usually given an entry ban for most countries in Europe. You will move to another closed reception center until you leave the Netherlands.
Does the judge decide that the IND has not made the right decision? Then you move to an open reception center. Your asylum application continues in the VA.

Asylum procedure for unaccompanied minor foreign nationals (AMV)

You are under 18 years old and you are without parent (s) or guardian (s) in the Netherlands.

The main features of the AMV-procedure are:

You apply as an asylum seeker. You follow the procedural steps of the AA/AA+ for adults. Read more about the General Asylum Procedure (AA/AA+).
You will be given a guardian from the NIDOS-foundation because you are an unaccompanied minor. The guardian will help and guide you in the Netherlands. It concerns assistance with housing, school and your asylum procedure. But also help to make important decisions.
You live and sleep in a special reception center for young asylum seekers. If you are under 15, NIDOS will arrange care in a foster family.
Sometimes the IND asks if you agree to have an age test. The test gives the IND clarity about your age. During the examination, X-rays will be taken of the bones in your shoulder and wrist.
Your asylum procedure does not start until a few weeks after you have applied for asylum. During that period you can rest from your journey. And you can then prepare for your asylum procedure. The Dutch Council for Refugees (VWN) and a lawyer will help you prepare for free. VWN is an independent human rights organisation.
The asylum procedure takes 6 (AA) or 9 (AA+) days. During that period you will have an interview. This interview is about why you are applying for asylum.
The IND decides whether you will receive a residence permit or not. If you do not agree with decision of the IND, you can go to court. A lawyer will help you with this. Read more on the page Registering an objection or appeal.
If you are not allowed to stay in the Netherlands, you must return to the country where you come from. The Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V/english.dienstterugkeerenvertrek.nl/) will help you with your departure. You will stay in a reception center until your journey home has been arranged.
If you are not able to arrange your return yourself, and this is not your fault? Than the IND might give you another residence permit. This permit is called a no-fault permit.