What happens to failed asylum seekers?
Failed asylum seekers must leave the Netherlands. They are given 28 days to do so. During this period they still receive money and accommodation from the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA).
Voluntary return
Failed asylum seekers are responsible for arranging their return to their country of origin. If they cannot obtain a travel document from their embassy or consulate, the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V) can mediate on their behalf. However, they first need to submit a request for mediation to the DT&V.
No-fault permit
Some countries do not cooperate in the repatriation of aliens, making expulsion impossible. In such cases the DT&V sends an advisory report to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The IND usually responds by issuing the alien with a no-fault permit. This allows them to remain in the Netherlands, at least temporarily.
Forced return
If a failed asylum seeker does not leave the country of their own accord, the government can force them to pay a deposit that will be repaid on their departure. If there is a risk of a failed asylum seeker evading supervision, the government will place them in detention. The object of aliens detention is to ensure that an individual remains available for departure to their country of origin.
Sometimes aliens are accompanied by an officer from the DT&V on their flight back to their country of origin. This is the case if they are under the age of 18. For more information about the forced return of aliens, see the DT&V website.