Applying for asylum in Ter Apel

Last updated: 3/21/2023, 11:57 AM

Currently, the application in Ter Apel takes about 7 to 10 days. After that, it takes about 8 to 12 weeks until your first interview with the IND. This is called the 'aanmeldgehoor' (application interview). Due to crowds, there is not enough room in the reception centre in Ter Apel. That is why you are sometimes taken by bus to an emergency crisis reception centre. You will stay there for 7 to 10 days. You will then be brought back to Ter Apel to complete your application.

Step 1: register with the IND

Step 2: identification at the AVIM

Please note, the rest of the procedure on this page does not apply to you if:

you come from a country that is safe according to the Dutch government. Then the IND will determine that you get a different procedure. The rest of the procedure on this page does not apply to you.
if the AVIM sees that you were previously registered in another European country, the IND determines that you get a different procedure: the Dublin procedure. The rest of the procedure on this page does not apply to you.
If you are younger than 18 and are in the Netherlands without your parents or guardians, you will go to a shelter specifically for unaccompanied children. This is called a process shelter facility for unaccompanied minor foreign nationals. In that shelter, there is someone who cares for you and helps you from the organization Nidos. This person is called a guardian. This person is responsible for you if your parents or guardians are not in the Netherlands.
if you are younger than 13 and are in the Netherlands without your parents or guardians, you will go to a foster family. Nidos will arrange a foster family for you.

Step 3: The application interview at the IND

The waiting time

This happens during the waiting period

The IND must decide on your asylum application within 15 months

After you sign your asylum application, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) must make a decision within 15 months. This is called the INDundefineds undefinedbeslistermijnundefined (decision period). This is an important deadline set by law. Sometimes the IND does not succeed in making a decision within 15 months.

You can then offer the IND a last chance to decide on your asylum application within 2 weeks. This is called undefinedin gebreke stellenundefined (giving notice of default). You can do this by sending a letter to the IND or via a form. Does the IND not decide within the 2 weeks? Then the IND must pay a fine. This is called a undefineddwangsomundefined (penalty payment). You can appeal to the court for this.

After your registration with the Department of Aliens Police, Identification and Human Trafficking (AVIM), you must wait for your first interview with the IND. This is called the undefinedaanmeldgehoorundefined (application interview). At that point, it takes 8 to 12 weeks before you have the application interview with the IND. You will stay in the Central Reception Centre (COL) in Ter Apel or in a (crisis) emergency reception centre somewhere else in the Netherlands. Here you will get a place to sleep, food, medical care and guidance.

Please note: You will often receive the invitation to the application interview via email. If you enter your V-number on the COA website, you can see if you have received post at your reception centre. Sometimes there is a list at the reception of your reception centre with the V-numbers of people who have received post.

This is where you stay during the asylum process