Information for Syrian asylum seekers in the Netherlands:
For information on the current situation of processing asylum applications of people from Syria, please visit: IND – Temporarily no decisions on asylum applications Syria.
The Dutch government has put a six-month freeze on the processing of asylum applications of people who have fled Syria. This is causing a great deal of uncertainty for asylum seekers here in the Netherlands. UNHCR therefore advocates for continued protection to people who have fled Syria.
Please note: Despite the freeze to the processing of asylum applications for six months:
• you will retain the same rights as other asylum seekers;
• you cannot be sent back to Syria now.
Further information and answers to frequently asked questions: RefugeeHelp – Dutch IND is not deciding on asylum applications of Syrians for now.
Please note: If you return to Syria, it may have consequences for your residence permit in the Netherlands. If you have a residence permit based on asylum and you travel to Syria, it is possible that your residence permit will be revoked. UNHCR advises seeking legal advice before making such a decision.
🇺🇦 Relevant information for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands can be found on Refugee Help and the website of the IND.
For information about a short or extended return to Ukraine from the Netherlands, please visit the platform Ukraine is Home.
If you are a refugee in another country, please visit the help page of the country you are in.
This website was created for asylum seekers and refugees in the Netherlands by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Here you will find useful information and weblinks, including answers to the following questions:
- Where can I seek help in the Netherlands?
- How can I apply for asylum in the Netherlands and what happens during the asylum procedure?
- What are the rights and obligations of refugees and asylum-seekers in the Netherlands?
- How can I reunite with my family members (family reunification)?
- Can UNHCR help me find my lost family members?
- Can I apply to be resettled to the Netherlands?
- What is UNHCR’s role in the Netherlands?
- How can I contact UNHCR the Netherlands?
In case you are looking for information or assistance for your family members or friends who are not in Netherlands, you can find more information on the UNHCR help homepage and navigate to the country in which they are currently residing.