Meeting the Refugee Challenge: The Dutch Experience

The Dutch asylum policy has been one of trial and error over the past four decades. This article will chronicle its most important twist and turns. It will do so by looking at the general premise of Dutch Alien law and by exploring the different residence statutes available to asylum seekers. Attention will be paid to the possibilities to appeal a decision, the investigation procedure and the Dutch reception model. Where relevant the upcoming amendments to the Dutch Alien Act are addressed as well.