How I Braved IND, Part - I

Moving across borders for an international assignment is a thrilling yet challenging experience, and my journey from India to the Netherlands was no exception. Little did I know that the seemingly straightforward process of obtaining a tourist visa for my husband would turn into a rollercoaster of emotions, bureaucratic hurdles, and unexpected expenses.

The ordeal began with the arduous task of applying for my husband's tourist visa before my arrival in the Netherlands. My spouse and I embarked on a 600-kilometer journey from Bangalore to secure a submission slot within two weeks. We meticulously gathered a plethora of documents, ensuring they were stamped and apostiled, leaving no stone unturned in our preparation.

However, our meticulous efforts were met with disappointment when, on the day of my departure, my husband received a sudden visa refusal. The shock and unpreparedness left us with limited time to discuss our next steps before my flight.

Faced with two options – raising an objection or reapplying – we opted for the latter, as the objection process seemed uncertain and time-consuming. The lack of clarity on the reasons for the initial refusal prompted us to enlist the help of an expensive agent, who, unfortunately, couldn't guarantee success. The agent verified our documents and prepared an itinerary, leaving the rest of the process in our hands.

To complicate matters further, the next available slot for the visa application was located 2500 kilometers away from Bangalore, scheduled 1.5 months after the initial application date.

Three days into my assignment in the Netherlands, I found myself facing an unexpected hurdle. This time, we also discovered that an error in official communications resulted in a residence permit for only 11 months for me instead of the 12, required for a dependent residence permit. Desperate for a solution, I sought help from my organization, explaining the situation and requesting an exception to support his visa application. Despite my efforts, this idea didn't work, compelling me to extend my assignment to meet the necessary 12-month residency requirement.

After 2.5 Months of relentless efforts, the process finally yielded the desired outcome as we successfully obtained the tourist visa on the second attempt. We decided to fly him the very next day to Amsterdam, as we were both super tired hassle we went through to get it. However, the journey was far from smooth, involving substantial costs, logistical challenges, and the emotional toll of navigating an intricate bureaucratic process.

This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of unexpected setbacks. As professionals navigating international assignments, it's crucial to be prepared for the unexpected, seek support from organizations, and approach challenges with a "fail fast, learn faster" mindset. Sharing these experiences can shed light on the realities of international relocation and serve as a source of support for others facing similar challenges.

PS - This visa is going to expire in 3 months time & my assignment is extended, stay tuned to learn what's next.

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