The Netherlands grants asylum to people who are in danger, risk torture or inhuman treatment in their country of origin. For example if there is a war in their country. First, however, special procedures are followed to determine whether an asylum seeker genuinely needs protection.
The Netherlands offers protection to people who are in danger in their own country. The obligation to do so is laid down in various international treaties, in particular:. After identification and registration, asylum seekers are transferred to a reception centre, which is usually near the application centre that will process the asylum application.
Asylum seekers entering the Netherlands by plane can report to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee at Schiphol Airport. As a rule, they are denied admission to the Netherlands. A border procedure is started to deal with their application for asylum. The asylum seeker remains in the application centre at Schiphol Airport for the duration of this procedure. If the individual is from one of the countries on the list of safe countries of origin , or if there are indications that they already receive protection in another EU member state, a special accelerated asylum procedure applies.
Asylum seekers are given at least 6 days to recover from their journey. The asylum procedure begins after this period. During the rest and preparation period they are given:. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers COA is responsible for the reception, supervision and departure from the reception centre of asylum seekers. At a special interview the asylum seeker can explain what they experienced in their country of origin and why they had to leave.
The IND will arrange an interpreter for this interview. The asylum seeker can call on the assistance of a lawyer or a representative of the Dutch Refugee Council.
