In practice, grensbewakingsautoriteiten typically comprise several agencies. The primary organ is the Dienst Uitvoering Noodveiligheid (DUN), which handles the operational aspects of border control at ports of entry. The Dienst Justitie en Veiligheid (DJV), formerly known as the Polizeidienst, administers the technical and procedural aspects of immigration controls and holds the legal mandate to issue visas and residence permits. Additionally, the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) deals with the processing of asylum seekers and naturalisation applications, thereby integrating policy and operational perspectives.
These agencies employ a range of tools and techniques, including electronic surveillance systems such as RFID readers, biometric verification devices, and advanced data analytics platforms. They coordinate closely with other national security agencies such as the Algemene Rekenkamer and the Agency for Legal Reform to ensure compliance with Dutch laws and court rulings.
In the European context, grensbewakingsautoriteiten work with the Frontex agency, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to share intelligence, conduct joint patrols, and deploy resources across EU member states. They also participate in transnational missions to southern borders, such as the EU–Switzerland cooperation on controlling the Alpine passes.
The legal framework for grensbewakingsautoriteiten is outlined in Dutch immigration, asylum, and border protection statutes, as well as regulations enacted under the European Union's Schengen Agreement. These regulations authorize activities like border checks at sea, air, and land, and set procedures for stopping and questioning migrants. They also establish the rights and responsibilities of the authorities in regard to data protection, asylum procedures, and humane treatment of individuals, adhering to European Convention on Human Rights standards.
Public oversight of grensbewakingsautoriteiten is provided through several channels. Internal audits by the Algemene Rekenkamer evaluate efficiency and compliance. External oversight occurs via the Ministry of Justice and Security, which issues annual reports, and through parliamentary committees that review policy directions and budget allocations. Citizens may lodge complaints with the Dutch Data Protection Authority regarding privacy breaches during border checks, ensuring accountability.