What does the Dublin Regulation mean for asylum seekers in the Netherlands?
The country through which the asylum seeker first entered Europe is responsible for processing their asylum application. This is laid down in the European Union's Dublin Regulation. The country must, however, be able to register the asylum seeker. If the asylum seeker passes through without registering and instead applies for asylum in another country, that other country will be responsible for their asylum procedure.
Returning asylum seekers
If an asylum seeker enters the Netherlands but is registered in another EU country, the Netherlands can send them back to the country of registration. If the asylum seeker is not registered in another country, they cannot be sent back. They can then apply for asylum. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) decides whether someone is entitled to asylum. If the IND denies their application, the asylum seeker will have to leave the Netherlands.