Migration processes in the Netherlands in 2022

Based on reports from the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Migration Service (IND), the police and other official sources, at the end of 2022, a overview with key figures, graphs and charts reflecting the migration processes in the Netherlands. On February 3 this year, this review was published on the government website Rijksoverheid.

What countries do asylum seekers come from?

In December 2022, IND was processing 2600 applications from first-time asylum seekers. Their statistics are as follows:
How often are asylum applications approved?

The likelihood of obtaining a positive decision for an asylum seeker depends on the country of origin. The graph below shows the rates of positive decision making by country. On average, for the period from January 2022 to December 2022, this figure is 69%.

Note! The Dutch Migration Agency (IND) uses a list of so-called safe countries of origin. This list includes states in which, in the opinion of the government, there is no persecution on racial, religious, national or any other grounds, as well as torture and other forms of inhuman treatment. Asylum seekers from these countries have no reason to seek protection. For example, this list includes such states as Albania, Kosovo and Serbia. The chances of obtaining refugee status from citizens of these countries are approaching zero.

Asylum applications from Iranian citizens, for example, are processed and both positive and negative decisions are made. This depends on the area where the asylum seeker comes from and on their individual circumstances.

How long was a residence permit issued under the usual procedure?

Most of all, in 2022, residence permits were issued for family members/partners — about 42. Quite a lot, approximately 280 residence permits, were received by highly skilled migrants. A significant number of residence permits, approximately 30, were issued for study purposes.

How many foreigners were expelled from the Netherlands?

In 2022, about 19 foreign citizens left the country. We are talking not only about the refusal of asylum, but also, for example, about people who were illegally in the Netherlands, and about people whose residence permit has expired or has been revoked. At the same time, 230% left voluntarily, and 42% - through the appropriate forced expulsion procedure.

How many foreign offenders left?

In 2022, approximately 970 foreign criminals left during or after imprisonment, of which 73% were under the supervision of the competent authorities. In some cases, foreign criminals are offered a choice: they can end their prison sentence and leave for good. If they return, they must serve the remainder of the court-appointed sentence.

Publication Date: 13.02.2023