South Limburg: pilot area for IND expanded service concept
24 September 2020
With the signing of the ‘declaration of intent’ between the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst – IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and Gemeente Maastricht, all municipalities in South Limburg as well as Gemeente Echt-Susteren confirmed their collaboration today in the 'one government desk in South Limburg for international workers and students' pilot. As of today, internationals from all participating municipalities will be able to complete all the formal procedures for establishing their new home in the Netherlands in one day and at one location.
The IND, Expat Centre Maastricht Region and Gemeente Maastricht started the pilot project in January this year, a project which enables a unique fast-tracked registration procedure and fully qualified service provision. With the signing of these cooperation agreements between Gemeente Maastricht and the surrounding regional municipalities, the pilot area is now being expanded.
International knowledge migrants, scientific researchers, Orientation Year permit holders, entrepeneurs, foreign investors (and their family members) who settle in the region can contact Expat Centre Maastricht Region for a fast track procedure: the expedited processing of their Burgerservicenummer – BSN (resident service number). Applicants can also make use of all-inclusive expert services including: registration in their municipality of residence, receipt of a residence permit and a personal consultation on living and working in the region; all in one day. In addition, the IND offers limited services to other applicants who come to live, work or study in South Limburg. They can pick up a residence permit, a residence endorsement sticker or a return visa and also give biometric data.
With this new cooperation between regional municipalities, the expanded service concept – both saving applicants’ time and extending customer service capabilities – becomes even more effective. Together, all parties are committed to creating an appealing knowledge region to where future international talent is attracted and thereafter retained. The pilot will run until 1 July 2021.
