The IND in figures

The number of applications for residence permits has already been increasing for a longer time. And this is expected to increase even more in the years to come. Moreover this does not make the work of the IND easier. Increasingly more substantiation is needed to decide on a residence application. Notwithstanding that the IND does more than can be expected of the organisation on the basis of the agreed capacity, the number of cases that have been outstanding for a long time is increasing.

Each month the IND publishes a survey of the main current figures and developments.

Monthly figures October

Asylum: First asylum applications

In October, the IND made more decisions in this procedure than in the previous month, increasing the number from 1,480 to 2,070. However, the number of decisions was lower than budgeted (2,820). The number of applications fell from 2,930 to 2,740. Last October, the IND received 5,010 applications.

Asylum: Dublin procedure (Track 1)

In the Dublin procedure, the IND made 400 decisions in October, which is 140 more than budgeted (260). A total of 280 applications were received, resulting in a further decline of outstanding applications to 1,840.

Asylum: Safe Country procedure (Track 2)

In the safe countries procedure, the number of decisions reached 70, while 180 had been budgeted. The number of applications dropped to 30, marking the lowest count in 2024. The number of outstanding applications decreased to 150, which is nearly half compared to October 2023.

Asylum: General and extended asylum procedure (Track 4)

In this procedure, the IND made fewer decisions than budgeted: 2,500 compared to 3,030. Several factors contributed to this; for instance, the new method for assessing the credibility of asylum applications requires more time. Additionally, training new staff members also takes time, and experienced staff are also tasked with this, which limits their availability for other responsibilities. The number of applications is 3,910, which is lower than the number of applications in October 2023 (5,050). The number of outstanding applications increased to 50,780.

Asylum: Family members who have joined the asylum seekers later

Starting last month, we are displaying the figures for all follow-up applications combined; this includes MVV Follow-up and Follow-up 8 ECHR for unaccompanied minors (AMV). This provides a comprehensive view of the total follow-up applications, decisions, and outstanding applications. (Separate figures can also be found in the PDF with tables). The number of decisions rose from 1,770 to 2,360, which is slightly lower than budgeted (2,320). The number of applications decreased from 4,590 to 4,310. The total number of outstanding applications rose to 66,460 in October.

Family and relatives

In October, the IND made 3,420 decisions on applications for residence with family or partners. The number of new applications was 3,470, resulting in a slight increase in outstanding applications to 6,740, with the majority (4,580) being open for less than three months.

Residence permit knowledge and talent

Permits for knowledge and talent are issued for, among others, knowledge migrants, graduates with a search year, and employees transferred to a European branch of their company. In October, the IND made 2,030 more decisions on these types of applications, compared to 1,580 last month.

Study

The peak in applications for studying has passed following the beginning of the academic year. In October, there were still 360 new applications. The IND anticipates the annual surge during the summer, enabling quicker decisions on these applications.

Migrant workers

In October, the IND made 630 decisions on applications from labor migrants. A total of 500 applications were received during the month, leading to a decline in outstanding applications to 1,700. Labor migration includes permits for paid employment, self-employment/startups, cross-border services, and applications under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.

Naturalization

In October, 5,210 decisions were completed. The number of outstanding applications stands at 17,270, with 16,430 of those being pending for less than a month. The naturalization application is submitted at the municipality, assessed by the IND, and ultimately granted through the signing of a Royal Decree.

Service desk

In October, a total of 29,250 appointments were made for issuing residence documents at the service desks, nearly 3,000 more than the previous month. Applicants could typically secure an appointment within an average of 5 days. Additionally, the number of appointments for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos) increased from 18,600 to 22,460, with the first available appointment typically falling within an average of 5 days.