Verified policy record

Netherlands Initiates Pilot Scheme for New Family Reunification Rules, Pauses Decisions on Affected Applications

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) started a pilot scheme on 12 June 2026. This scheme checks family reunification applications under new, stricter rules. This happened after a 'two-status system' was introduced for people with asylum permits. This affects more than 19,000 applications submitted before this date. The IND will delay decisions on cases affected by the new rules but not included in the pilot. This delay will last until courts make clear how to legally interpret these rules and apply them to past cases.

Jurisdiction

Netherlands

Stage

Effective 12 Jun 2026

Published

24 Jun 2026

In force

12 Jun 2026

Category

Family Reunification

Official source

IND — News (English)