IND Starts Testing New Family Reunification Rules

New Rules for Family Reunification Applications

From June 12, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will start assessing a small number of family reunification applications under new rules. This follows the introduction of the Two-Status System Act, as informed to the Dutch Parliament by the Minister for Asylum and Migration.

What is changing?

The new law changes the possibilities for asylum status holders to bring family members over. The definition of the core family is restricted, and additional requirements now apply to family reunification applications. Not all family members will automatically qualify, and stricter conditions may be in place.

These rules apply to over 19,000 applications submitted before June 12 that have not yet been decided. The IND will process several dozen of these cases to see how the new law works in practice. Applications that do not meet the new requirements will be rejected.

What does this mean for emigrants?

For Dutch and Belgian citizens with asylum status in the Netherlands, or those wishing to bring family members over, it is important to be aware that the rules have become stricter. This may affect which family members are eligible and the likelihood of approval. Check the details at the source or contact the IND for up-to-date information about your specific situation.