Security Screening in The Netherlands

Security screenings in the Netherlands

If you have a job that falls under a confidential position or you apply for a job with a confidential position, there is a good chance that a security screening will be started against you.

You may have to deal with confidential information while performing the confidential function or you may be working at a special location (these are usually locations that not everyone has access to).

The security screening is always requested by the employer and can only be started when you have completed your application procedure. Some positions require that you get a new safety investigation every few years, your employer then requests a new safety investigation after a certain period (at least after 5 years).

The security investigations of the AIVD and the MIVD are divided into 3 categories. These indicate how heavy the security screening is that you will receive. These security screenings are carried out in the Netherlands by the Security Screening Unit (UVO).

1) The least comprehensive security screening is the C security screening. Here, only you will be screened and any partners will not be included in this screening. During this research they look back up to 5 years. If you have also stayed abroad during this period being screened, this will also be investigated.

Example 1: You have lived in the US for a period of 1 year in the past 5 years. Then part of the security screening is that you request a police statement at the FBI in the US about the time you lived there.

Example 2: You lived in the US for a 1 year 8 years ago. Because the term of the screening is 5 years, you do not have to request your police statement in the US. This falls outside the period under screening.

2) The security screening that comes next is the B security screening. This screening is slightly more extensive than the C-security screening. During this research they look back up to 8 years and they also include your partner (if you have one) in the research. If you have also stayed abroad during this period being screened, this will also be investigated.

Example 1: You have lived in Canada for a year in the past 8 years, where you met your current partner. You will now receive a B security screening, both you and your partner must then request a police statement in Canada.

Example 2: You have not lived abroad in the past 8 years, but your partner has lived/stayed abroad for a period during these 8 years, so you do not need to request a police statement abroad, your partner must do this if this falls within the term they want to check from your partner.

3) The most comprehensive security screening is the A security screening. During this research they look back up to 10 years and they also include your partner (if you have one) in the research. In addition, questions are also asked about your immediate family members. An interview often takes place at your home during this A-security screening.

The purpose of a security investigation is to investigate whether you can perform your job in good faith under all circumstances. In addition, the security screening is part of international and national security.

All information about these security screenings can be found on the website of the AIVD.