Chinese Refugees in the Netherlands have many problems unheard of in English speaking countries. Many Chinese read and speak English, but you won't find one who can read or speak Dutch. That’s why at their first contact with the Refugee Council they tell them:
“Always, call your mentor; or go first to the council with any kind of paper you receive.”
To make matters worse, the letters from the Immigration Service are in the Dutch Language, and look like gibberish to them. However, there is always a translator present to tell them what the letter holds in. But, through the experience most asylum seekers have with the police, they don’t believe him. If the letter of the Immigration Service states that they are granted a residence permit there is no problem. Often the letter states that their request for asylum is denied, and they must leave the country within twenty-four hours. Then there is a great urgency to contact their lawyer. He has to file for an appeal, and a request that the refugee may stay in the Netherlands, waiting for the decision of the court.
The volunteer of the Refugee Council will contact the lawyer to make sure that this is done the same day. Next they arrange for a translator and go in detail over the letter from the Immigration Service, looking for  discrepancies.

There are five steps in the Dutch asylum procedure; it starts with the application followed by an extensive interview. His or her lawyer will file objections or an appeal, and finally a hearing by the Alien Board of the Department of Justice. By the final denial they have to leave the country. During the years of legal battle those Chinese are under unbearable pressure. They are instructed to go to the Chinese Embassy for a Laissez-Passer. Now they are in a gray circuit, they have to go back, but can’t without a Laissez-Passer. The results are: They remain here, retain their benefits and accommodation (four persons in a four-bedroom home).One thing is for sure the Chinese know the meaning of the word “persistent”.

We know of cases that they have written letters to the Queen of the Netherlands, the Department of Justice, Magazines and News Papers. In the mean time their lawyers filed for an appeal. Since they are in the Netherlands there is a possibility that things might change for the better for them.
In the Netherlands it attracted attention that  many Chinese had the same escape route. This is quite possible. But, the question arises: How is this possible? Why doesn’t the Chinese authorities know anything about it and stop it? Rumors are that the officials in Europe have numbered the escape reports and know the stories by heart. You can imagine what your changes are to get asylum in the Netherlands or any other European Country, with one of those escape stories.  They don’t come here by accident. Most of them know what is waiting for them in the Netherlands. For the many who have a valid reason to escape China it’s paramount that they can show proof of the ordeal they went through. There are many things known only by the person who was there. Such as: The particulars about the roads, locations and circumstances along their escape route. Other refugees have been there before and they described it their own way. They talk about the same thing, but differently. Most of all when they are applying for asylum they should tell themselves to relax and give an accurate report of their flight to freedom. Quite often the person seeking asylum changes his story during the interview. They should keep in mind that the person asking the questions will write in his report everything said. If you misunderstood a question, say so. Getting a residence permit depends on what did happen during their confinement and consequent escape to Europe.

Persons with a Residence Permit get help from the county. They assist in getting a rental home and the Counties Social Service Department will cosign the loan for furniture etc. After three years the outstanding balance is written off and releases you from the obligation. If you can’t find a job you’ll get a benefit equal to the minimum wage, this is sufficient to live on. Working or not you are registered for the country’s medical insurance. The Counties Social Service Department helps by unexpected cost. When you need a new washing machine there is a deductible, the amount remaining is refunded. One requirement is, and most newcomers forget, you have to apply before you do the purchase. There is also a special fund to pay up to a certain amount toward the cost of joining an athletic club, season tickets for theater or swimming pool etc.

Since the beginning of the year new rules have come into effect. The most important changes are:Within 24 hrs after entering the Netherlands you have to apply for asylum. Next a quick decision is made to see if asylum is obtainable. Of the applicants 90% go to a camp waiting for processing; the remaining 10% will be sent back. Those 10% get a change to explain their plight before a judge. While they are waiting for their court appearance, 80% will disappear and find  Illegal work in restaurants and sweatshops. To get asylum in another country when asylum is denied is not possible. The Schengen agreement between most European Countries doesn’t permit that. 

copyright©1994 by Jack van der. Elst