The Netherlands has passed a law that reforms the asylum system and introduces new restrictions for refugees. The changes affect family reunification, the duration of residence permits, and the requirements for applicants. Learn more about the two-tier asylum system in the Netherlands and its implications for those seeking protection

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The Netherlands is changing its approach to granting asylum and introducing a two-tier system for refugees with different levels of rights. The law, passed by the Senate, imposes significant restrictions on family reunification and eliminates the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit.

Who will be affected by the new rules and how will the country’s migration policy change—we’ll explain further in this article.

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What does the new asylum law in the Netherlands entail?

The Senate of the Netherlands has voted in favor of a law introducing a two-tier asylum system. From now on, asylum seekers will be granted one of two statuses, A or B, depending on the reasons why they left their country. Each status entails different rights, particularly regarding the duration of the residence permit and opportunities for family reunification. At the same time, parliament rejected an initiative to criminalize illegal residence in the country.

Status A is intended for individuals facing personal persecution—due to religious beliefs, ethnicity, political views, or sexual orientation. Holders of this status will receive a three-year residence permit, but their eligibility for a permanent permit will be revoked. Status B will apply to people fleeing armed conflicts, mass violence, or the effects of climate change. It is this category of refugees that faces the greatest restrictions on their rights.

Ranking of countries by number of passports issued and conditions for obtaining European citizenship — here.

Restrictions on family reunification for refugees in the Netherlands

The most controversial part of the law is the new requirements for family reunification for refugees with B status. After receiving a residence permit, these individuals must wait at least two years before they are eligible to apply for the arrival of family members. In addition to the time limit, the refugee must prove sufficient independent income and housing suitable for the entire family.

These requirements effectively create an additional barrier, as refugees who have just arrived in the country rarely have a stable financial situation during their first years of residence. The long waiting period and economic criteria may delay family reunification indefinitely, directly affecting thousands of people who are already in the process of filing the relevant applications.

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Effective Date and Who the New Rules Will Apply To

The law is set to take effect on June 12, 2026. This date was not chosen at random—it coincides with the launch of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, indicating that Dutch migration policy is being coordinated with pan-European processes.

An important aspect of the new law is that it will apply not only to new applications submitted after June 12.

The new rules will also apply to family reunification applications already submitted, particularly those from Syria and Eritrea. This means that people who submitted their documents earlier and were awaiting a decision under the previous rules will now be subject to stricter requirements.

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Changes in the immigration laws of European countries are happening rapidly, and every new law can significantly impact the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. A migration lawyer from the Visit World portal can help you navigate the nuances of the legislation and accurately assess your situation.

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Reminder! Global competition for skilled professionals is growing, and many countries are simplifying conditions for immigration, education, and remote work. We cover the best countries to move to, current residency programs, and real requirements to get started—check out the link.

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