The Netherlands does not decide on asylum applications of Syrians for now
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Following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad, the Netherlands is temporarily not making decisions on asylum applications from people from Syria. In this article you can read what this means for your asylum application or family reunification.
On most asylum applications from people from Syria, the
This decision may be extended for up to six more months. Meanwhile, the ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating the security situation in Syria. In doing so, the Netherlands is following the example of other European countries, such as Germany and Belgium.
The Netherlands will not make a decision on your asylum application for the time being and you will not be sent back to Syria
Are you coming from Syria and waiting less than 21 months for a decision? Then the IND will pause your application. Your asylum application will be reviewed (again) later. You may stay in the Netherlands as long as your procedure is on pause.
The Netherlands is not sending people back from Syria for now anyway because of the unclear security situation. In addition, the Netherlands currently has no diplomatic relations with Syria, which is necessary to send people back.
If your asylum application was previously denied, you can get a place in a reception centre again and apply for asylum
If the IND previously rejected your application for asylum and you were no longer entitled to a place in a reception centre, you can now report to Ter Apel again for reception. You are entitled to a place in a reception centre again, even if you do not have a current asylum application. This is because the Netherlands is not allowed to send people back from Syria for the next 6 months.
You can also make a new asylum application because of the changed situation in Syria. For your procedure, it is good to do this as soon as possible. It will also allow you to use rights such as work sooner.
There are exceptions in which the IND can make a decision on your asylum application
In these cases, among others,
If you have been waiting a long time for a decision: If you applied for asylum more than 21 months ago, the IND will still make a decision. This also applies if your waiting time in the next 6 months is 21 months.
If you apply for asylum because of personal reasons: These personal reasons, according to the IND, must be separate from the situation in Syria and serious enough for a positive decision. Due to the situation in Syria, the IND expects that few decisions will be made based on this exception in the next 6 months.
If another European country is responsible for your asylum application: On the basis of the
You can get support if you have questions about your asylum application
Do you have questions about what this decision means for you? Contact your contact at
Questions and answers on decision not to decide on asylum applications of Syrians for the time being
Below we answer possible questions you may have about this decision:
What happens if I still want to apply for asylum in the Netherlands?
When you make a new asylum application, the IND conducts a 1st interview with you. This is called the "aanmeldgehoor" (application hearing). During this interview, the IND determines whether your application falls under the aforementioned exceptions. If not, your application will be temporarily paused.
What happens to my application for family reunification?
The decision not to process asylum applications from people from Syria for the time being does not affect family reunification. If you applied for family reunification as a family, the IND will simply process that application.
Have you not yet applied for family reunification and already have an asylum residence permit? Then you can apply to have family members come to the Netherlands:
Make the application within 3 months of your residence permit.
It may be difficult to obtain documents or travel safely due to the situation in Syria. Discuss this with your contact at
Can I still get a permanent residence permit or Dutch passport?
If you qualify for a permanent residence permit or a Dutch passport, you can apply for it as usual. The decision not to process asylum applications for the time being does not affect your application for a residence permit or passport. Due to the uncertain situation in Syria, it is a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible if you want a permanent residence permit or Dutch passport.
What happens if I have appealed after an IND rejection?
It is not yet clear what the Dutch government's decision means for your situation. We are investigating this and will update the article when there is an answer.
Can I return to Syria temporarily or for a longer period of time?
Syria is still considered unsafe by the Dutch government. Even after the fall of al-Assad, the situation remains unstable. If you do want to go back temporarily or for a longer period of time, this may affect your residence permit.
Do you have a residence permit based on asylum? Then the
More information about assistance with returns
1 or more family members or friends are missing in Syria, what can I do?
Is someone you love missing in Syria? The Red Cross can help you find missing loved ones. They register the names of missing persons and, if possible, clarify their fate.
If you are searching for a missing person in the Netherlands, you can submit a search request to the Dutch Red Cross through the 'Restoring Family Links' department. After reviewing your request, you will be invited for an interview to gather the necessary information.
Your request will be forwarded to the Red Cross in Syria. They search in various ways, such as by inquiring at the last known address, contacting local authorities or registering released prisoners.
If the Red Cross has found your loved one, the Red Cross will help restore contact. If they do not find your loved one, you will also be notified. The search for a loved one can take a long time.
'Restoring Family Links'