Verified policy record
Netherlands Clarifies Asylum Status Identification for Family Reunification Applications
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands has updated its rules for identifying asylum status. This update applies to people who are applying for family reunification. From 12 June 2026, the way a person's refugee or subsidiary protection status is checked has changed. This change affects how applicants will prove their status when they apply for family reunification later on.
- Jurisdiction
- Netherlands
- Stage
- Effective 1 Sept 2026
- Published
- 1 Sept 2026
- In force
- 1 Sept 2026
- Category
- Family Reunification
- Official source
- Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst
Why it matters
This clarification simplifies the process for asylum residence permit holders and their family members when determining the exact status required for family reunification applications in the Netherlands. Individuals whose permits were granted after 12 June will find their status clearly labelled on their card, potentially streamlining documentation checks. Those with earlier decisions must still refer to the specified articles of the Aliens Act. Understanding this distinction is crucial as eligibility for certain family members may depend on whether the primary applicant holds refugee status or subsidiary protection.
Official source: ind.nl