Syrians subject to a return decision receive letters and invitations from the DT&V
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Are you Syrian and have you received a rejection of your asylum application from the IND? Then the DT&V may send you a letter or invite you to a meeting about your return. Read about what to expect in the coming period and what you can do.
DT&V contacts you in two ways
According to information that
Some Syrians will receive an invitation to a personal interview. These include:
. Families.
People whose asylum application is the responsibility of another European country. This is now called the
and used to be called the Dublin procedure. People whom the
considers to be covered by of the Refugee Convention. People whom the government considers a threat to national security.
According to the DT&V, these people usually receive a personal invitation within 2 to 3 weeks of the
Other Syrians receive group informational sessions
Do you not fall into one of the groups listed above? Then you will receive a general letter from DT&V after your application is denied. DT&V will then invite you to attend a group informational session at a
According to information received by VWN, DT&V began holding these sessions in August. Each session is typically for about 20 to 30 people.
During the session, DT&V provides information about voluntary return to Syria and about possible assistance with return.
Would you like to speak with a DT&V employee one-on-one about your situation after the group session? Then you can ask DT&V to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
The new letter no longer specifies the 28-day deadline
DT&V has updated the general letter for Syrians. The previous version specified a
This does not mean that you are not subject to a departure deadline. The IND’s decision not to grant you a residence permit, the 'negatieve beschikking' (negative decision), includes a return decision. The return decision specifies the number of days within which you must leave the Netherlands. This is often 28 days.
Therefore, always carefully review your own decision from the IND. However, this time limit usually does not apply if you
Did you receive an unexpected letter? Contact your lawyer right away.
VWN has received reports that some Syrians received a letter from DT&V before they themselves knew that their asylum application had been rejected. This was due, in part, to the fact that the IND's digital portal was not always working.
Talk to your lawyer to see if you can file an appeal
The letter from DT&V does not contain any information about the possibility of appealing the IND's decision.
Therefore, discuss the decision with your lawyer as soon as possible. Also ask whether you are allowed to remain in the Netherlands during the appeal. This depends on your case and personal situation. Your lawyer can explain which rules apply to you.
During a meeting or session with the DT&V, you do not have to decide right away whether you will return to Syria voluntarily. First, discuss with your lawyer what legal options you still have.
There is currently no deportation to Syria
At this time, the Netherlands is not forcibly deporting people to Syria.
This does not mean that your return decision automatically expires. The return decision may still be valid.
In some situations, deportation to another country may be possible. This is the case, for example, if another European country is responsible for your asylum application.
Ask your lawyer what this means for your situation.
Do you want to return to Syria on your own?
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) does not currently consider Syria to be safe. For this reason, VWN does not have a partner in Syria to assist people with their return. However, VWN can work with you to explore your remaining options and help you think about your future.
Have you decided on your own that you want to return voluntarily? Then you can get information and support from organisations such as Solid Road, IOM or DT&V.