‘I got to know the Netherlands through the IND’

Some people want to come to the Netherlands for a short period of time, for a holiday, family visit or business trip. Whether they need a short-stay Schengen visa to do so depends on their nationality. The IND’s Visa Department reviews objections filed by people whose visa applications were denied. This is where David works. 

The Netherlands’ calling card

‘The IND was my first introduction to the Netherlands,’ David says. ‘I still remember that moment. I am originally from Syria, and I lived in Turkey for many years until I was granted a residence permit for the Netherlands through the UN resettlement programme.’

The UN resettlement programme is a humanitarian initiative. It helps vulnerable refugees travel from their first host countries to safe countries, where they can receive permanent protection. The programme is run by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. 

‘I was interviewed by an IND employee at the Dutch embassy in Turkey,’ David continues. ‘Since then, I’ve always thought of the IND as this country’s calling card.’

A university diploma and a job at the IND

There was no doubt in David’s mind: he would work at the IND someday. After graduating from Leiden University with a degree in Middle Eastern Studies and doing several internships, his dream finally came true. ‘I was constantly checking the IND website to see if there were any vacancies that were right for me,’ David laughs. ‘And then there was an opening in the Visa Department. I’ve been working there for almost a year now, and I feel completely at home.’ 

‘I check whether the objections that come in contain any new information or additional documents. Based on that, I can either reconsider or confirm the previous rejection.’

Stories from around the world

David works according to clear legal frameworks, but he always looks at people’s personal stories as well. ‘Every applicant comes to the Netherlands for a reason,’ he explains. ‘Some people want to visit their family for a wedding – or for a sad reason, like a funeral. Other times it’s for a holiday or a work trip. But it’s always a personal story, and that’s what makes the work so rewarding to me.’

David does not speak to visa applicants in person, as they are often still abroad. But he does read their files, and he contacts their references. These can either be organisations that the IND recognises as trusted partners, or individuals who can vouch for the applicant. ‘They are our point of contact if we need additional documents,’ David continues. ‘The files do not just contain objections – they contain people’s lives, and those stories move me. I work very hard to make sure I do not miss anything in my reviews. As a service provider, I always try to be constructive, and to help wherever I can.’ 

Refugee background

Some stories move him more than others. ‘Right now, I wouldn’t be able to work on asylum cases, for example,’ he admits. ‘Those stories hit too close to home, because I was once a refugee myself. I made a very conscious decision to work in the Visa Department, where I can be professional. My personal life does not suffer because of my job.’

Homecoming

David describes himself as a sincere and engaged person. Although he was eager to work at the IND, he expected it to be a formal government organisation with a closed culture. ‘I was totally wrong,’ he laughs. ‘I have come to know the IND as an inclusive and respectful employer. It’s an organisation where everyone can be themselves, regardless of their background or identity.’

‘In March, the IND organised an iftar, which I went to. That really felt like a ‘homecoming’ experience to me. But the best thing about working here is that I can now help other people. Just like the IND once helped me.’