About COA

The asylum process – who does what

Asylum seekers deal with various organizations during the asylum process. For example, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) processes the asylum application. The Dutch Council for Refugees (VluchtelingenWerk ) provides information about the asylum procedure among other things. COA collaborates with all these organisations.

  • registration

    The asylum procedur

    Asylum applications must be filed with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The Aliens Police (AVIM) carries out the identification and registration of each applicant. Next, a medical intake is carried out by the Health Centre for Asylum Seekers (GZA). Asylum seekers from countries with a high risk of tuberculosis will be given a TB test by the Municipal Health Service (GGD).

  • registration

    Asylum seekers stay in a central reception centre. They are provided with meals, accommodation and access to any necessary medical care. COA staff check if asylum seekers need special attention or counselling and detect if, for example, there are issues regarding to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

  • registration interview

    The asylum procedure

    In the days after registration, the IND will carry out the registration interview. An impartial interpreter is present during this interview.

  • registration

    During this step, asylum seekers still stay in a central reception centre. The accommodation and counselling by the COA are the same as during the previous step in the asylum process.

  • rest and preparation period

    The asylum procedure

    During this time, asylum seekers can prepare themselves for the interviews with the IND. Experts examine whether they are mentally and physically fit for the interview. The Dutch Council for Refugees (VWN) provides information about the asylum process and asylum seekers meet the lawyer designated for them by the Legal Aid Board (RvR).

  • registration

    Asylum seekers are provided accommodation in a COA process reception centre. Here they receive an allowance for food and are given access to any necessary medical care via the GZA. The COA also gives them practical information about living in the Netherlands and in a reception centre (AZC). Asylum seekers with good prospects of getting a permit will now start their civic pre-integration.

  • general asylum procedure

    The asylum procedure

    Asylum seekers further motivate their asylum application in interviews with the IND. During these interviews, an impartial interpreter is present and if requested a volunteer of the Dutch Council for Refugees.

  • registration

    During this step, asylum seekers still stay in a COA process reception centre. The reception and counselling by the COA are the same as during the previous step in the asylum process.

  • Decision

    The asylum procedure

    There are now 3 possibilities. The IND:

    • grants a temporary residence permit
    • rejects the asylum application
    • needs more time for the decision; the applicant will then enter into the extended asylum procedure.

    The Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V) subsequently coordinates the actual departure of rejected asylum seekers.

  • registration

    From the IND's decision about the asylum application, the shelter, support and guidance are provided in a reception centre. To those who have been granted an asylum status, the COA offers civic integration activities. The counselling of rejected asylum seekers is aimed at departure.

    Read more about the shelter, support and guidance provided by the COA