Afghan interpreters who worked with Dutch military and government missions are calling on the Netherlands to make an exception for them after being told they will not receive permanent residence under new EU migration rules.
The group has received official letters informing them that indefinite asylum permits are no longer being issued following the implementation of the new EU migration pact on June 12, according to reports by NOS.
Instead, they have been offered temporary residence documents that are valid for a maximum of three years.
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has said the interpreters may still be able to apply for a long-term residence permit and have the option to appeal the decision within four weeks.
The former interpreters say their cooperation with Dutch forces put their safety at risk in Afghanistan and that returning is not a realistic option for them.
They argue that many of them were brought to the Netherlands before the fall of Kabul in 2021 through official agreements with the Dutch government.
Since arriving in the Netherlands, they have built new lives, with many working, paying taxes, and having children attending Dutch schools.
The group wants to be recognised as a special category and given a permanent solution because of what they describe as the Netherlands’ responsibility toward former local staff who supported its missions.
Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink confirmed that indefinite residence permits are no longer available under the new rules but said other options, including naturalisation, may still allow people to remain in the country.
He did not comment specifically on the Afghan interpreters.
The Netherlands has previously accepted Afghan interpreters, guards, and other local workers after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, but the process has faced criticism over delays and strict requirements.
