The asylum procedure
If you are a refugee, you can get protection in the Netherlands. To do so, you must apply for asylum. During the asylum procedure, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) investigates whether you have a right to asylum in the Netherlands.
Highlights
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What you need to know before applying for asylum
If you are a refugee, you can apply for asylum in the Netherlands. To apply for asylum, you must register in Ter Apel. You must then explain why you fled to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Applying for asylum in Ter Apel
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 "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 shelter. You will stay there for 7 to 10 days. You will then be brought back to Ter Apel to complete your application.

The General Asylum Procedure (AA)
The General Asylum Procedure (AA) begins with the second interview with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This is called the "detailed hearing". You will be invited to this detailed hearing when it is your turn. After that, the AA takes 6 to 9 days. During the AA, the IND determines whether you are entitled to asylum in the Netherlands. The IND can approve your asylum request, reject it or send it on to the Extended Asylum Procedure (VA). When the AA begins, you will sometimes be moved to a shelter closer to the IND office for the detailed hearing. For the detailed hearing, you will be taken to the IND office unless the distance is so short that you can walk.