Government website of the Netherlands National government reported on the reception of refugees from Ukraine and spoke about the difficulties that arise. In recent months, the number of Ukrainian refugees arriving has slightly exceeded the amount of housing that is being prepared for them in the same time frame. Currently, the housing stock intended for refugees from Ukraine is 95% full. In order to prevent a shortage of places for the resettlement of this category of refugees, the government is actively working with the regions and municipalities of the country.
Additional places for resettlement of refugees from Ukraine
To the existing crisis in the reception of asylum seekers in the Netherlands was added a crisis in the reception of Ukrainian refugees. The bulk of Ukrainians arriving in the country do not claim official refugee status, but are under temporary EU protection. However, these people also need to be resettled, and the possibilities for this are limited. Since the beginning of Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine, the Dutch municipalities have already created 57 places to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, for which the government has already thanked them. However, the occupancy of such places is already 95%, so the number of shelters for Ukrainians should be increased. It is expected that the number of places in such shelters will increase to 60 in the near future, and the government and local authorities plan to create 75 places in total.
In addition to working on the resettlement of refugees from Ukraine, the government seeks to regulate their influx. Since July 19, 2022, third-country nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine have lost the right to apply for temporary EU protection. This means that such refugees, after arriving in the European Union from Ukraine, must leave for their countries. It is expected that this measure will slightly reduce the number of applications for temporary protection, respectively, the number of applicants for resettlement and receiving cash benefits for living will decrease.
Nevertheless, the preparation of places for the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees should be accelerated. New refugees continue to arrive, and with the intensification of hostilities in Ukraine, the flow of refugees could rapidly increase. In addition, some of the Ukrainian refugees, who were originally settled in other EU countries, are moving to the Netherlands.
Private shelters for Ukrainians
Accommodation of refugees from Ukraine in privately owned housing reduces the burden on the municipal housing stock, so their use should be continued and expanded. The RefugeeHomeNL consortium has reviewed and found 11 private residences suitable for accommodating refugees. About 5 thousand of them have already been certified. These premises can accommodate about 13 refugees from Ukraine. At the moment, 350 Ukrainians have already been settled by private individuals through this consortium. The Government, together with the Red Cross Organization and local governments, are working to make the most of this opportunity to reduce pressure on the municipal housing stock.
Facts and figures
Currently, 71 Ukrainians have officially registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) in the Netherlands and acquired the status of temporary protection. Among them, men make up 750%, and women 33%. 67 Ukrainians left the Netherlands with the help of the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V).
The Dutch government notes that refugees from Ukraine are ready to participate in the economic life of the country. Some 26 Ukrainian refugees have already found paid work and are no longer eligible for cash benefits. Part of the Ukrainian refugees have purchased housing or rent it at their own expense, reducing the pressure on the housing stock created for refugees. Of the 120 Ukrainian children who arrived in the Netherlands, 23 are enrolled in primary and 200 in secondary schools.
More information about life in the Netherlands can be found in the section "News» of our site.
Nalog.nl provides legal and accounting services to residents of the Netherlands, including refugees. Contact our specialists and get the advice you need!
Publication Date: 08.08.2022
