Over 3,500 Asylum Applications Received by Netherlands’ Authorities in March 2023

The same shows that in March, the number of asylum applications increased to 3,540 compared to the figures of the previous month, in which period 2,130 asylum applications were registered, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

At the same time, it states that the number of decisions regarding journeys related to family reunification is also running behind the number of new asylum requests.

“In March this year, 2,030 new applications were submitted for journeys in connection with family reunification. Even though the IND is equipped for taking a total of 620 decisions on journeys in connection with family reunification in March, decisions were taken on almost double that number of cases (1,110),” the statement reads.

According to IND, last month also noted an increase in the number of requests for residence permits for family members as well as relatives, in comparison to February or 4,160 compared to 3,770 more specifically.

Still, despite the increase, in both February and March, the number of decisions was lower than the number of applications.

In addition, the number of residence documents issued by authorities in the Netherlands marked a notable increase since September last year, while in March 2023, there were given a total of 26,999.

IND, in its recent report, has considered that the number of applications for residence permits in this country will further increase.

“The number of requests is expected to rise further in the following years. Moreover, this does not make the work of the IND easier. Increasingly more substantiation is needed for decisions on applications for residence permits,” the statement reads.

IND has considered that it is doing more than can be expected from this organisation, taking into account its current capacities.

In January this year, 2,991 people sought asylum in the Netherlands, accounting for a decrease compared to December figures. In February this year, the number of asylum applications registered by authorities in the Netherlands was 2,823, while in March, a larger number of asylum applications was registered.

The influx in the number of asylum applications has brought additional difficulties for authorities in the Netherlands.

During a digital consultation of the Netherlands State’s Secretary Eric van der Burg and 25 mayors of the Security Council, it was said that two thousand additional asylum reception centers are required in this country before April 1 in order to deal with the current situation.