The European Pact on Migration comes into force on 12 June 2026: what does this mean?

For years, many people have been seeking asylum in Europe. Countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain often take in the largest numbers of refugees, as many refugees enter Europe via these countries. This puts pressure on reception centres, leads to long waiting times and creates uncertainty. That is why the

Faster and rigorous identity checks (‘screening’) are to be introduced at Europe’s external borders

After 12 June, new asylum seekers will undergo a

Mandatory solidarity between EU countries

The European country where the refugee first arrives remains responsible for that refugee. That country must take the refugee in and decide on their application for a residence permit. Other EU countries must help out of a sense of solidarity if one country has to take in too many people. These other countries are free to choose how they help. They can help by taking in asylum seekers, but also by providing financial support or staff to assist with procedures and reception centres in that country.

Changes to the accelerated asylum procedure

Under the standard asylum procedure, the IND must reach a decision within six months. Under the accelerated asylum procedure, this is reduced to just three months. Currently, around 4 per cent of asylum seekers in the Netherlands are subject to the accelerated procedure; this figure will soon rise to 20 per cent. You will be placed in the accelerated asylum procedure if:

• You come from a country from which few people are granted asylum in the EU, or from a country that is considered safe.

• You have previously applied for asylum in the Netherlands or another European country.

• You do not have valid travel documents, or the Dutch government considers you a threat to public order or national security.

From 12 June 2026, the IND must reach a decision within six months in the standard asylum procedure. In some cases, this period may be extended by six months. In the accelerated asylum procedure, a decision must be reached within three months.

From now on, every refugee must submit their own application on a tablet at Ter Apel and Schiphol. This means you must enter all the details relevant to your application yourself. Who are your family members? How did you come to the Netherlands and why did you flee?

You will now only have one interview with the IND as part of your asylum procedure. There is also no longer a

Refugees who apply for asylum after 12 June 2026 will be given priority because the IND wishes to prevent further delays. As a result, waiting times for refugees who submitted an application before 12 June are increasing. They will have to wait even longer for a decision on their asylum application.

In the Netherlands, as a refugee, you can obtain a residence permit

From 12 June, no one will be granted a permanent residence permit. All permits will then be temporary and valid for three years, after which an extension will be required. This also applies to people who have already submitted an application for a permanent residence permit before 12 June. Only if you already have a permanent residence permit will you retain it. For beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, this means additional uncertainty because the permit may be revoked if your country of origin becomes safe again.

Would you like to read more about the two different statuses and what this means for you? Read more in this article.

From 12 June, you will only be able to apply for

Different rules apply to refugees with subsidiary protection status

After 12 June, you will also have to wait a further two years before you can apply for family reunification. You must have a steady income of your own. You must also have accommodation. You are no longer allowed to live in a reception centre. You must therefore have your own home or a place in a transit centre. The requirements regarding income and accommodation do not apply if you are or were an

Did you come to the Netherlands on your own as a young person and do you have an asylum permit that you applied for before you turned 18? If so, you can still apply for family reunification with your parents and your minor brothers and sisters after 12 June 2026. However, you must submit the application for your parents and your brothers or sisters at the same time.