Home
Close

IND Social Advisory Council

The Social Advisory Council (in Dutch: Maatschappelijke adviesraad or MAR) advises the IND about the immigration policy. This advise helps us to remain critical of our work. And it allows us to improve ourselves where necessary and possible. The MAR is not involved in individual files and therefore has no advice on this.

Mardjan Seighali

Mardjan Seighali (head)
‘I'am committes to equal opportunities for people and have interest in organizations that deal with the fate of individuals. migration themes have caught my attention. As director of the foundation for Refugee Students, the UAF, i focused on the talent of refugees. After the publication of my book "Until the Day' about my own refugee experience, i continued to stay in touch with the IND. I understand how challenging the work is in a complex, political environment. Having an eye and ear for the story of others and working together towards a more inclusive society is important to me. As MAR chair, i have a connecting role. That is where my strenght lies. In recognitiion of my connecting work, i reveived the Comenius Prize in 2019. I will do everthing in my power to make the MAR an indispensable advisory board that offers valuable insights and added value for the IND.’
Annemarie Heeringa

Annemarie Heeringa
‘I work as a team leader at the Salvation Army. At our department, we provide socio-legal assistance to undocumented victims of human trafficking. An important part of my work is explaining my clients how aliens law works and why the IND has taken certain decisions. When I do this, I sometimes notice that clients experience a large distance from the IND where the reasons and final decision are concerned. Through my participation in the MAR, I encounter the IND in a different way and can look at and experience the organisation differently.’
Freek Landmeter

Freek Landmeter
‘For my work for Médecins Sans Frontières I’ve been in Rwanda, among other places. I know that the IND has complex cases. Sometimes, their nuance is lost in the media. But I want to know: what is really going on. I think it’s important that the IND has public support. Besides, every week I’m at the side of the football pitch with an employee of the IND and one of the COA. We then have interesting conversations and must watch out that we don’t miss a goal.’