NetherlandsWorldwide

Procedure for Afghan interpreters

Afghan interpreters who have worked for the Netherlands as part of an international military or police mission may submit an application for inclusion in the special immigration procedure for interpreters.

The application must be submitted by the interpreter personally. The Dutch government will then check whether the applicant has indeed provided interpretation services for the Netherlands as part of an international military or police mission and whether there are any reasons that preclude the applicant’s coming to the Netherlands. If it is established that the applicant is eligible, the applicant and their immediate family members will be issued visas so that they can follow the asylum procedure in the Netherlands.

Applications can also be submitted by other Afghan employees who have performed high-profile duties for the Netherlands as part of an international military or police mission and who are now subject to threats as a consequence of their having performed those duties. These applications must also be submitted by the person in question personally and will be assessed individually.  

In order for their application to be assessed quickly and carefully, the applicant must submit the following information and documents:

  • Tazkira;
  • passport;
  • if the applicant is married and/or has children: marriage certificate and/or birth certificate;
  • information from the applicant about the duties performed, the period in which those duties were performed and the military or police unit for which the applicant worked;
  • if possible the application should be supplemented with the certificates issued by the international military or police mission, the interpreter’s pass issued to the applicant, photographic material and references.

If the applicant is permitted to come to the Netherlands, in principle they may bring their immediate family with them (this means their partner and their children under the age of 18).

For more information about this procedure or to submit an application, please contact NetherlandsWorldwide.

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