How we work
The DT&V works on the basis of case management. This means the approach is specifically geared towards the foreign national concerned. Each foreign national whose case the DT&V handles is assigned a ‘supervisor departure’. This supervisor coordinates the departure process in a way that ensures the dignified and timely departure of the foreign nationals in their care.
Customization
The DT&V assesses the options and conditions for departure on a case-by-case basis. The solutions the DT&V provides are always tailored to the individual. Personal contact with each foreign national and consultation with the cooperating organisations help the DT&V determine the best way to arrange departure so that, ideally, foreign nationals choose to leave of their own accord and forced departure is not neccessary.
Departure interviews
It is the standard operating procedure of the DT&V to discuss repatriation with the foreign national as soon as possible. In this interviews DT&V uses the methodology ‘Working within a compulsory framework’ (Wigk). Wigk is aimed at removing as many as possible of the obstacles to departure foreign nationals experience and offering them a longlasting future. The infographic shows the phases in this process.
Special issues
Conversations with foreign nationals cover a lot more than just repatriation. The DT&V also discusses issues such as human trafficking, distressing circumstances and medical conditions.
If, despite being fully cooperative, a foreign national is unable to leave the Netherlands through no fault of his or her own, the DT&V submits a ‘no fault’ recommendation to the IND. The latter then assesses whether the person in question is eligible for a residence permit. This may be the case, for example, if the authorities of the country of origin refuse to issue a travel document, despite the many attempts of the foreign national to demonstrate his identity and nationality.
In exceptional cases the IND also can grant a residence permit if, for example, war breaks out in the country of origin or if a natural disaster has taken place.
Special groups
More vulnerable individuals, such as unaccompanied minors and people with special needs, possibly due to medical conditions, require extra supervision during the repatriation process. In situations such as these the DT&V makes the necessary arrangements in their destination country. This could involve organizing shelter for unaccompanied minors or coordinating medical care.
The final preparations for repatriation are made shortly before departure. The DT&V carries out a series of checks to ensure that foreign nationals departing from the Netherlands possess the right (travel) documents and any medication they need.
The infographic summarises the return process.