Ukrainians in the Netherlands will change their status from 2027: what does it mean.

According to ТСН: Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands will receive a special status that will facilitate their return to Ukraine starting from 2027.

According to information in the project by Minister for Asylum and Migration Mona Keijzer, Ukrainians who are employed will be required to pay for their housing rent, and health insurance will become their responsibility. Those who are unemployed will be able to apply for social assistance.

The aim of the new plan

The main goal of the changes is to reduce the costs of supporting refugees and prevent applications for permanent status in the IND migration service. Currently, Ukrainians are not obligated to submit such applications, but a special European directive allowing them to stay in the EU expires in March 2027. The European Commission has already stated that it does not plan to extend it.

IND problems and lack of space

Currently, there are about 120,000 Ukrainians living in the Netherlands, over 60% of whom are already employed. Minister Keijzer believes that for this reason, these individuals should pay for rent and health insurance expenses.

As of this year, living in municipal shelters is no longer free for all Ukrainians: those who earn an income are required to contribute amounts that can reach several hundred euros.

The government justifies these measures for a number of reasons. In particular, the IND migration service already has significant queues and will not be able to handle additional applications.

Additionally, after 2027, the budget for supporting Ukrainians will not be allocated. The cabinet plans to negotiate with municipalities that provide housing and social assistance. This creates difficulties, as most shelters are overcrowded.

It is expected that more details about the new model of Ukrainian residency in the Netherlands will be discussed during negotiations on the budget spring memorandum next year.

Recall that earlier, Minister of Migration Mona Keijzer urged Ukrainian men working in the Netherlands to take care of their own housing.

These changes may significantly impact the lives of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands, as the new status and new requirements for housing costs and health insurance threaten their security and stability. Further discussions and government decisions in 2024 will be crucial in determining the conditions for Ukrainians' stay in the country in the coming years.