Forced departure is only applied when the foreign national fails to leave the Netherlands voluntarily and does not accept assistance from the DT&V or other (non-profit) organisations.
Foreign nationals who refuse to leave the country voluntarily can be placed in a detention centre until a flight becomes available and as soon as all travel documents are in order.
In these cases, the DT&V works closely with the countries of origin in order to ensure that foreign nationals can return in a dignified manner.
Return process for adult foreign nationals
This infographic summarises the return process. Foreign nationals whose application for a residence permit has been rejected or whose residence permit has been revoked, or people who are in the Netherlands illegally, must leave the country.
Image: © DT&V