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Asylum in the Netherlands is governed by national laws and international treaties. If you ask for protection because you fear persecution, serious harm, or other threats in your home country, your request is handled by national authorities. Delft is part of that national system - applications are decided by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - and reception and practical support are coordinated through national agencies and local municipal services. Practical matters like registration on municipal records, access to municipal services, schooling for children and local integration programs are dealt with by the Municipality of Delft once you have a residence status or need local assistance.
Key outcomes of an asylum claim include refugee status, subsidiary protection, humanitarian residence or refusal. A positive decision leads to a residence permit and associated rights. A refusal can be appealed at the administrative court. The system also contains emergency and temporary protection arrangements for large-scale displacement, as well as rules on transfer under EU regulations when another country is responsible for your claim.
Asylum law is complex and decisions can have life-changing consequences. You may need a lawyer in situations such as:
- When you have experienced persecution, torture or serious threats and need to present credible evidence and a clear legal basis for protection.
- If the IND refuses your application or grants a lesser form of protection and you want to appeal the decision.
- When you need help preparing for credibility interviews, organizing country of origin information, or presenting medical and other supporting evidence.
- If you face detention for immigration reasons, possible transfer under EU rules, or an imminent return decision.
- For family reunification after a positive decision, or when your residence status triggers access to work, housing, welfare or integration obligations with the Municipality of Delft.
- If you need to apply for legal aid, speak through an interpreter, or want advice about rights while your case is pending.
Asylum law in Delft follows national Dutch immigration law and international refugee law. The most relevant legal instruments and rules to understand include:
- National asylum procedure - The IND manages the application process, interviews and decisions. Decisions may be appealed to the administrative courts.
- International obligations - The Netherlands implements the 1951 Refugee Convention and related EU law, including rules on subsidiary protection and standards for assessing protection claims.
- Reception and accommodation - The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers - COA - is responsible for initial housing and reception. Local municipalities, including Delft, become involved after a status decision for registration, housing allocation and integration support.
- Detention and return law - The law contains rules about detention for immigration-related reasons and about return procedures following a refusal. Such measures are subject to legal safeguards and require legal representation.
- Family reunification and residence rights - If you receive protection, specific rules determine how family members can join you and what rights to work and social services you have at municipal level.
- Court review and deadlines - Administrative courts review IND decisions. Strict deadlines apply for filing appeals and requests for suspensive measures. Meeting time limits is crucial.
You must register your intention to seek asylum with the national authorities. Initial registration and intake are handled by national reception centers and IND registration points. Delft is part of the national system but initial asylum registration typically takes place at designated reception locations. After you receive a residence permit, municipal matters are handled by the Municipality of Delft.
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence and whether accelerated procedures apply. Some straightforward cases are decided relatively quickly; more complex claims can take longer and may involve appeals. There are strict deadlines for appeals, so obtain legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.
While your asylum claim is pending you may be provided reception facilities, basic healthcare and access to schooling for children. Rights depend on your registration status and whether you are accommodated by COA. In some cases you may be eligible for limited financial support and legal assistance. You should get clear information from reception staff or a lawyer about the exact rights that apply to your situation.
Work rights during the asylum procedure are restricted and depend on your registration and the stage of the procedure. In many cases applicants do not have an automatic right to work during the initial asylum procedure, but there are exceptions and specific permits that can apply. A lawyer or reception staff can clarify whether you can apply for a work permit.
If the IND refuses your application you normally have the right to challenge that decision through an appeal or objection. There are strict time limits for filing appeals and for requesting that removal be suspended while the appeal is pending. A qualified lawyer can help you file an appeal, request suspension, and prepare supporting evidence to improve your chances of success.
Specialist asylum lawyers are available in the Netherlands. The Legal Aid Board - Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - may provide subsidized legal aid for eligible applicants. Organizations such as refugee support groups and local legal clinics can help you find a qualified lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about legal aid and help from local NGOs as soon as possible.
Once you are granted a residence permit you need to register with the Municipality of Delft if you will live there. The municipality handles registration in the personal records database, housing allocation procedures if applicable, access to social services, language and integration programs and schooling for children. Municipal services are important for daily life once protection is granted.
Yes, family reunification is generally possible under conditions defined by national law. The exact rules depend on your status, family relation, and whether you can meet certain requirements. Time limits and procedural steps apply, so consult a lawyer early to secure the best route for family reunification.
Bring any identity documents, travel documents, medical records, police reports, witness statements, photos or other evidence that supports your claim. Prepare to explain clearly and consistently why you fear returning to your country. If you have trauma, inform your lawyer or health staff so that appropriate support or accommodations can be arranged. Use an interpreter if you are not fluent in Dutch or English.
If you fear return, inform your lawyer immediately. There may be legal arguments based on human rights, new evidence, changes in your country of origin, medical conditions or procedural errors that can be raised in an appeal or in a request for a stay of removal. Legal assistance is essential in these situations to explore all protection options and emergency remedies.
Below are types of organizations and bodies that can help you in Delft and across the Netherlands:
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - handles asylum applications and decisions.
- Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers - COA - coordinates reception and housing for asylum seekers.
- Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - Legal Aid Board - administers subsidized legal aid for eligible applicants.
- VluchtelingenWerk Nederland - Dutch Council for Refugees - provides advice, information and support for asylum seekers and refugees.
- Municipal services - Municipality of Delft - for residence registration, local support and integration services once you live in Delft.
- Local legal clinics and student legal aid projects - some universities and community legal clinics offer initial advice and referrals.
- Specialized asylum lawyers - solicitors and law firms with asylum and immigration expertise provide legal representation in hearings and appeals.
- Health and psychosocial services - organizations providing medical and mental health support for trauma survivors, often available through reception facilities or local health centers.
If you need legal assistance with an asylum matter in Delft, follow these practical steps:
- Seek immediate legal advice - contact a specialized asylum lawyer or legal aid provider as soon as possible to understand deadlines and rights.
- Provide your full story and documents - gather identity papers, medical records and any evidence that supports your claim and give these to your lawyer.
- Ask about legal aid - check eligibility for subsidized legal assistance through the Legal Aid Board or local services.
- Get an interpreter if you need one - accurate communication is essential for interviews and court proceedings.
- Register with municipal authorities when required - after a positive decision or when instructed, register with the Municipality of Delft for local services.
- Keep records and copies - make and keep copies of all correspondence, decisions, medical notes and legal filings.
- Prepare for appeals if needed - if the initial decision is negative, act quickly to instruct a lawyer and file an appeal within the applicable deadline.
- Use local support networks - refugee support groups and municipal programs in Delft can provide practical help with housing, integration and daily life.
Asylum proceedings can be stressful and legally technical. Obtaining timely, specialist legal advice and using available local support options will improve your chances of a clear and secure outcome.
