Our story
We are dedicated and committed to our shared duty: deciding who is admitted to the Netherlands. It is a people-focused job that requires a human touch, and we do it as carefully, fairly, properly and promptly as possible. Our public duty comes with great responsibility, and it is in good hands with us.
Keeping a cool head
In our turbulent day and age, crises, conflicts or wars anywhere in the world can change circumstances at any moment. At the same time, laws, rules and policy at the national and European level become ever more complicated. A single amendment or a new court ruling can have major consequences for our work. In this unpredictable environment, the IND remains steady, with a cool head and a warm heart.
This is what makes the IND truly unique. All IND staff are unique too, each in their own way and with their own background. The IND actively strives for diversity and inclusion, so we cherish these differences as much as the values we share: our responsibility and commitment to our work. Together, we are the IND.
We are committed to our task
As a reliable partner, the IND implements migration policy, the Aliens Act, and the Netherlands Nationality Act carefully and efficiently. We listen closely, not only to partners in the migration chain and beyond, but also to society at large. We continue to learn and to improve, because applicants are entitled to prompt decision-making. And where that is not possible, they deserve clear and honest information about waiting times.
In recent years, waiting times have continued to increase, despite the IND's best efforts. Unlimited growth is not an option, so we will continue to innovate and embrace new technological capabilities to improve our productivity. In the end, this will empower us to reduce the gap between how many applications we receive and how many we can process.
We are constantly improving
Our aim is to be among the very best government organisations. We do this by constantly pursuing improvement, professionalising our services and making better, prompter decisions. We actively seize opportunities to work more intelligently, powered by a learning, resilient organisation where people want to work. We invest in human capital and contribute to a sustainable society.
IND staff are proud of their work and the organisation, and we are not afraid to show it.
The IND has a rich history, marked by growth, automation, centralisation, contraction and further growth. Our history has made us what we are today: a confident, reliable, and mission-driven organisation with a realistic mindset. An organisation that puts the shared objectives of the entire migration chain first and works closely with all partners involved.
We know what we are doing
The IND engages with commissioning authorities and politicians as an equal partner, both behind the scenes and in the public debate. IND staff flag issues internally and externally, and do not hesitate to question their own work processes. We continuously strive to improve our efficiency, whilst always putting applicants first.
These applicants are virtually all people who want to enter the Netherlands, whether it is for love, protection, work or study. The IND takes decisions that will shape their future, making our job the most meaningful work there is.