Repatriation policy | Repatriation and Departure Service

Repatriation policy

The Netherlands pursues a strict but fair aliens policy. The decisions on applications for admissions are made carefully. Aliens who are admitted and consequently obtain a residence permit are obliged to integrate in Dutch society. Aliens who are not admitted to The Netherlands or those who are no longer entitled to residence, reside illegally here and are obliged to leave the country. A clear and consistent repatriation policy contributes to maintaining support in Dutch society for aliens who are admitted.

Own responsibility

The responsibility for the departure from The Netherlands rests with the alien him or herself. The authorities encourage aliens who are not permitted to stay in The Netherlands to leave the country independently and, if necessary, assist them with this. Aliens who do not leave The Netherlands independently may be returned forcibly. In this connection, an order such as the detention of aliens for the purpose of removal, may be given.

Requests for assistance

The DT&V can assist people who have been ordered to leave the Netherlands, but do not have travel documents. If such a person has been unable to obtain a travel document from his/her embassy or consulate in the Netherlands, the DT&V can assist the foreign national. To initiate this process, such individual must file a request for assistance with the DT&V.

The foreign national must add the following information to the request for assistance:
1. proof or substantiation that he/she has personally been unable to obtain the travel documents, for example by submitting a statement issued by his/her embassy.

2. proof or substantiation of his/her identity and nationality, for example by submitting copies of papers showing his/her identity from his/her country of origin, school certificates and the like.  

3. four passport photographs in colour.

4. A (hand)written statement, addressed to the diplomatic representation, that he/she wishes to leave the Netherlands with the request to the diplomatic representation to obtain the right travel documents in order to return to his/her country of origin. The personal data of the foreign national and his/her signature is needed on this statement. If the foreign national will not include such a statement, the DT&V cannot accept the request for assistance.

Upon receipt of a request for assistance and the documentation listed, the person making the request will be invited by the DT&V. A DT&V departure supervisor will assist the foreign national in drawing up an application for a replacement travel document, a so-called Laissez Passer (LP). The DT&V will forward this application to the relevant diplomatic post and where necessary will provide additional information on behalf of the foreign national. A number of diplomatic posts may also desire an interview with the person concerned. Such presentation will also be organized by the DT&V. In principle, DT&V staff will also be present during this presentation. The applicant will receive a written invitation to attend this presentation.

The DT&V will inform the applicant about the response from the diplomatic post. After the Laissez Passer has been issued, further arrangements will then be made regarding the actual departure.

Requests for assistance may be filed by a foreign national for him/herself, but also on behalf of his/her spouse and children; such requests may also be filed on behalf of the persons concerned by an authorized representative.

Cooperation

The Dutch authorities cannot implement the repatriation policy alone. Apart from the cooperation from the alien, cooperation from the country of origin is, in certain situations, also required. The cooperation from the alien's country of origin is needed when the alien does not have a valid travel document and the country of origin is required to issue an (emergency/replacement) travel document. It is also possible to engage non-governmental organizations to effectuate the alien's departure, often with some form of support, for instance financial.

• Form Request for Assistence D319-07-2011 | pdf-document, 61 KB