You will be assigned a lawyer and will prepare for your interview with the IND
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In the border procedure, you will be assigned a lawyer straight away. Your lawyer will help you prepare for your interview with the IND. This interview is known as a hearing. In this article, you can read about how to prepare for your interview and what you can discuss with your lawyer.
You will be assigned a lawyer straight away
In the border procedure, you will be assigned a lawyer from the outset. Your lawyer will provide you with personalised legal advice regarding your asylum application.
Discuss with your lawyer what is important for your application. Also let your lawyer know if there is anything you do not understand or if you have any questions about the border procedure.
Preparing for your interview with the IND
During your interview with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), you will explain why you are applying for asylum. You will also explain why it is dangerous for you to return to your country of origin.
Prepare thoroughly for this meeting with your lawyer. Your lawyer can explain what is important to mention and which documents might be helpful.
Write your flight story down
It may help to write down the story of your flight for your own reference. Write down what happened and in what order. For example, write down:
Why you left your country.
What happened to you personally.
What you are afraid of when you have to go back.
Who or what is threatening you.
Whether you have sought help in your own country.
Why you were not safe there.
How you travelled to the Netherlands.
Also write down any names, places and dates if you know them. If you are not sure of a date, be honest about it. Discuss your story with your lawyer. Also ask your lawyer what you are and are not allowed to bring to your interview with the IND.
Gather any important documents
Documents can help to make your story clearer. Gather any documents that are important for your asylum application. These might include, for example:
Your passport or identity card.
Documents relating to your trip.
Documents relating to your family.
Documents relating to threats or violence.
Medical documents.
Photos, messages or other evidence to support your story.
Do you not have any documents? Then explain to your lawyer and the IND why you do not have them.
Let us know if you need extra support
Sometimes you may need extra support during your asylum procedure. For example, due to your health, trauma, pregnancy, a disability or mental health issues.
Tell your lawyer about this as soon as possible. You can also tell VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) or the IND.
We can then assess what support you need during your interview and the rest of the process.
The border procedure moves quickly, so ask for help straight away if there is anything you do not understand
The border procedure is quicker than the standard asylum procedure. That is why it is important to ask for help straight away if there is anything you do not understand.
Do you have any questions about your interview, your documents or your stay whilst the border procedure is ongoing? If so, please discuss them with your lawyer or with the VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) as soon as possible.