Our work
Our work
The Dutch Council for Refugees is dedicated to making the Netherlands a welcoming place for refugees. We work to ensure they can live safely and independently, use their talents, and take part in society.
From arrival to future
Imagine fleeing your homeland due to oppression, persecution, or war and arriving in a new country. Where do you go, and how do you start a new life? The Dutch Council for Refugees is here to help with that and more.
Quick links
Some results from 2024
77.400 asylum seekers assisted with their procedures.
5.500 family reunification applications initiated
1.200 refugees supported in finding paid work or a work experience placement.
How we help refugees
The Dutch Council for Refugees offers a warm welcome to refugees who arrive in the Netherlands seeking asylum. We are an independent organisation that provides reliable information, advice and support.
Help during the asylum procedure
We support asylum seekers at every stage of the asylum procedure. Providing information about the procedure, attending IND hearings, and supporting asylum lawyers are several examples of services we offer.
Help with integration
When refugees move to their new homes, an awful lot comes their way. They have to make their way in an unfamiliar city or village, learn the Dutch language quickly and find their way through a maze of regulations. Our social workers assist refugees during this turbulent period and help them integrate into Dutch society.
Help finding work
People who have fled their country usually want to get a job as soon as possible. Work is the best way for them to integrate quickly and use their talents to benefit society. In practice, however, it often proves difficult to find a job. We support refugees with our employment coaches, working closely with municipalities and businesses to get them employed as quickly as possible.
Help with family reunification
In some cases, refugees must make the heart-wrenching decision to leave family members behind temporarily. Thanks to the right to family reunification, these loved ones can reunite later. The Dutch Council for Refugees supports families with both practical and financial assistance.
Help for children
Fleeing to a distant and foreign land is a traumatic event for children. Our projects contribute to building their self-confidence, provide much-needed relaxation and support them during the asylum procedure.
Help with language
Everything starts with language. Refugees therefore practise with our language coaches to master Dutch as quickly as possible.
Help for rejected asylum seekers
Asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies often find it difficult to return to their country of origin independently. They struggle with both practical and emotional barriers and lack perspective. Our expert guidance helps them set their sights back on the future.
Zo komen we op voor vluchtelingen
Druk op de politiek
We lobbyen voor een menswaardig vluchtelingenbeleid en pleiten voor blijvende oplossingen.
Vergroten van draagvlak
We bouwen aan brede steun voor vluchtelingen onder Nederlanders, met onze campagnes en in de pers.
Naar de rechter
Onze commissie Strategisch Procederen beschermt de rechten van vluchtelingen tot aan de hoogste rechter.
Are you a refugee in The Netherlands?
Go to RefugeeHelp.nl and find up-to-date information in your own language.
Tijd voor elkaar tijdens de Kindervakantieweken: ‘Even vrij van mijn zorgen’
Onbezorgd vakantievieren: voor veel kinderen die gevlucht zijn is het niet weggelegd. Terwijl zij het juist zo hard nodig hebben. Daarom organiseert VluchtelingenWerk de Kindervakantieweken, voor kinderen en eenoudergezinnen. De Eritrese moeder Eden geniet: ‘Als mijn kinderen blij zijn, ben ik ook blij’.
More ways we assist
Refugees can always rely on us to defend their rights and interests. Along with our guidance, we use our legal and practical expertise to represent them locally, nationally and internationally.
International projects
We are commited to protecting refugees beyond our own borders. That's why we work together with other human rights organizations in Europe. We do this through advocacy, with practical support and by sharing our knowledge and expertise.
Advocacy
We are the primary advocate for refugee rights in the Netherlands, and we fight for a welcoming society where they can build a new future in safety. We achieve this by putting pressure on politicians, making our voices heard in society, and, in some cases, taking legal action.
What can you do?
Support with a donation
People forced to flee leave everything behind in search of safety. Your support helps us defend refugees’ rights and ensures they get the guidance they need. So they can take part in society from day one and build a future of their own. Make a difference today.
Start a sponsorship
Support refugees by creating your own campaign page and raise money for The Dutch Council for Refugees. With your action, you can help refugees in the Netherlands build a new life. Whatever you do, your efforts count!