Start This is how long the asylum procedure takes in the Netherlands
This is how long the asylum procedure takes in the Netherlands
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The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has 15 months to decide on each asylum request in 2024. Therefore, you have to wait a long time for the 1st interview and the 2nd interview with the IND. Read about the waiting times in the asylum procedure here.
Three different procedures and waiting times for the 1st interview
When you have applied for asylum in the Netherlands in Ter Apel, you will receive an invitation for an 1st interview with the 
Does the IND think you have previously applied for asylum in another European country? Then the
The IND handles your asylum application in the Dublin procedure
Read more about the Dublin procedure on this page.
Does the IND think you are not entitled to an asylum permit because you are from a safe country? Or because you already have a permit in another country in Europe? Then the accelerated procedure applies to you. The waiting time for an interview with the IND about this is currently also 8 weeks.
The IND handles your asylum application in an accelerated procedure
Does the IND think you come from a safe country of origin? Then the accelerated asylum procedure applies to you. Read on this page what a safe country of origin means and what the accelerated procedure entails.
Does the "general asylum procedure" apply to you? That is the normal asylum procedure. Then you have to wait at least 18 weeks for your 1st interview with the IND. It can also last 6 months. This 1st interview is called the "aanmeldgehoor" (application interview).
If you come from Syria, sometimes you do not have to wait as long
Are you from Syria and are you subject to the general asylum procedure? Then your procedure may go faster. You have a better chance of getting asylum in the Netherlands if you come from Syria. Because you come from a country that is largely unsafe. The IND may then invite you for a shorter interview about the reasons for your application for asylum. Read more about the shortened procedure for Syrians here. Additional information about the asylum procedure if you are from Syria The IND sometimes processes asylum applications from Syria faster. Read more here about the fast-track procedure.
The waiting times for the 2nd interview are longer
In the general asylum procedure, after a 1st interview, you will also have a 2nd interview with the IND. This interview is about the reasons why you have fled and are applying for asylum in the Netherlands. Long waiting times also apply to this 2nd interview. You currently have to wait on average 43 weeks for the 2nd interview after your 1st interview.
According to Dutch law, the IND is allowed to make you wait that long
On 19 December 2023, the Dutch government announced that the IND will have more time to decide on an asylum application in 2024. Previously, the IND was given 6 months to decide on an asylum application. But this year the IND will get 9 more months to decide on your asylum request.
For 3 years in a row, the IND has been given more time by the government. This means that for all asylum applications between 27 September 2022 and 1 January 2025, the decision period is 15 months. Within that time, the IND must have had the 1st and 2nd interviews with you. And make a decision about your asylum application.
Here is what you can do if the IND is late in deciding
Have you been waiting 6 months for your first interview and still have not had an interview with the IND? Then ask
