The Netherlands: Information on whether a person granted permanent resident status could lose it, and if so, how
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | NLD15767.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, The Netherlands: Information on whether a person granted permanent resident status could lose it, and if so, how, 1 November 1993, NLD15767.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaf633.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to an official of the Consulate of the Netherlands in Montreal, one can lose her/his residence status in the Netherlands, whether it is permanent or temporary (29 Nov. 1993). While this loss of status is theoretically/legally possible, the government will only revoke it if there is a flagrant abuse of the reasons for which the residence status was given in the first place (ibid.).
For instance, in the case of a person who migrates to the Netherlands for economic reasons and has been promised a job, a residence permit of one year's duration will initially be given. However, with proof of permanence in the job situation, the permit will be renewed for an indefinite period (permanent residence status) (ibid.).
With regard to asylum seekers, the source notes that there are three kinds of status accorded to them in the Netherlands. There is Refugee Status, which applies to persons recognized under Dutch law as convention refugees and these people are accorded indefinite residence status (ibid.). The second is Temporary Protection Status, which is given to persons who have left their home countries and cannot return due to prevailing conditions (ibid.). Under the law, such persons can be returned once conditions in their home country improve. The third status available to asylum seekers is Humanitarian Status. This status applies to persons who cannot be recognized as refugees under Dutch law and cannot be placed under Temporary Protection Status, but who are allowed to stay for humanitarian reasons. Such persons are normally accorded indefinite (permanent) residence status.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Consulate of the Netherlands, Montreal. 29 November 1993. Telephone interview with official.
