The Netherlands intends to change the residence rules for male refugees from Ukraine. In particular, this concerns the right to housing. This is reported by OUR.
According to the publication, Acting Minister of Asylum and Migration Mona Keiser stated that Ukrainian men who fled to the Netherlands and have jobs must provide themselves with housing.
She says the country is gradually reaching the limits of its capacity to provide shelter. She believes it is “absolutely reasonable” for men who have jobs and income to find and pay for housing on their own.
"For example, with relatives who already live here," Keizer said.
She also said that such people could turn to their employer. The minister claims that Dutch people who work provide themselves with housing.
The publication added that Keyser does not consider it cruel to call on people who fled the war to provide themselves with housing on their own.
"They still get protection here," she said.
At the same time, NOS writes that the minister is not going to force people to look for housing, and he cannot, because according to European agreements, Ukrainians have the right to housing and education.
Keyser added that mothers with children will continue to receive shelter.
"In their case, you can't say: figure it out yourself," says the ministers.
At the same time, it intends to encourage Ukrainians who came to the Netherlands through another EU country to return there.
According to NOS, the statement is a response to a call for help from the Red Cross and municipalities, which are finding it increasingly difficult to accommodate Ukrainians. Due to overcrowded centers, people are sleeping on the streets or in cars.
It is claimed that municipalities currently have approximately 97 places available for Ukrainians, all of which are occupied, although hundreds more refugees are arriving in the country every month. In August, a record number of 435 people contacted the Red Cross.
As you know, Ukrainians who fled their country due to war fall under the European Directive on Temporary Protection, and therefore have the right to housing and education in the Netherlands.
This measure was recently extended until March 4, 2027. Thus, municipalities are obliged, based on their capabilities and size, to provide reception places and receive financial compensation for each refugee.
Mona Keiser supports the directive, but says it leaves open the possibility of sending people back to the country they were previously in, or asking them to find housing on their own.
The Red Cross does not consider Keyser's statement a solution to the problem. They insist that the number of places to receive people should be increased.
"People have been turning to us in desperation for a year now. Politicians should have proposed a solution a year ago. Namely: more places to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Of course, it would be good if people could move into regular housing. But it simply doesn't exist. It is impossible to put this responsibility on the people themselves," — the representative said.
