The Netherlands has a critical situation with the shelter of refugees from Ukraine. More than 97,000 municipal centers are almost all full. It was reported by the NOS publication on Tuesday, September 9, citing the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG).
For several months now, the refugee reception centers have been overcrowded, which is why Ukrainians are increasingly being denied asylum. The Association of Dutch Municipalities declared a "critical situation" and called on the government to take action. Currently, there are more than 97,000 municipal reception centers in the country, almost all of which are occupied. At the same time, about three hundred Ukrainians come to the Netherlands every week. These are mainly women and children, but there are also men who want to work.
"Legally, municipalities do not have the right to refuse Ukrainians who request shelter, but this sometimes happens out of necessity. The Ministry of Asylum and Migration agrees with the VNG's concerns and states that there are "terrible situations where vulnerable displaced persons do not receive the necessary shelter." According to the spokesperson, the issue of "who is placed on which bed" is currently being considered, the material says.
In the long term, the ministry wants to consider the option of a contribution from Ukrainians themselves, since if they have income, they can pay for rent or even fully provide their own housing.
Special status for Ukrainians
Ukrainians have a special residence status, which means that they do not have to wait for an asylum grant. Until April 2027, they can stay in the Netherlands with the right to healthcare, housing and education.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on August 19, a fire broke out in a shelter in the Netherlands, where Ukrainian refugees lived there.
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