The Netherlands propose a new status for Ukrainians after the end of the protection program

The Dutch government has proposed creating a special status for Ukrainian citizens that will apply after the end of the European temporary protection program. This program, launched by the European Union in 2022, provides Ukrainians with the right to reside, receive social support, access healthcare and gain employment in EU countries. Its term expires in March 2027, and countries are already discussing further steps.

The Dutch initiative involves a significant change in the conditions of Ukrainians’ stay. According to the plan, after the temporary protection program ends, Ukrainian citizens will be able to remain in the country but on new grounds. The main difference will be the obligation to pay for housing, health insurance and other mandatory expenses independently. Thus, the government expects to reduce the budget burden, which has grown significantly in recent years due to an increase in the number of benefit recipients.

According to Dutch authorities, the new system should be “transitional” and allow a gradual reduction of social support costs while maintaining a limited set of rights for working Ukrainians. It is emphasized that the status will be granted only if the conflict ends and “stable security” is ensured in Ukraine. This means that the Netherlands does not plan to maintain expanded protection if hostilities continue.

The proposal is linked to ongoing debates in the Netherlands about the impact of the influx of Ukrainians on the housing market, healthcare system and budget. According to recent data, more than 100,000 Ukrainians live in the country, many of whom use subsidized housing and medical services. In the context of budget cuts, the government insists on revising the approach, stating that the current level of support “cannot be maintained indefinitely.”

Members of the parliamentary coalition note that the new scheme will allow working Ukrainians to retain legal status without creating excessive pressure on state resources. At the same time, those who cannot support themselves will likely need to leave the country after the protection program ends. The Netherlands is also discussing the possibility of establishing strict criteria regarding income level, employment and the availability of private housing or long-term rental contracts.

Human rights organizations have already expressed concern about the proposal. They argue that the new scheme effectively forces Ukrainians to leave the country even if they have integrated into society and have stable employment. Experts note that the initiative also creates legal uncertainty, as it remains unclear what rights will be granted to holders of the new status and what obligations will be imposed on them.

Opposition parties in the Netherlands claim that the government is trying to “gently encourage” Ukrainians to return in order to reduce expenses and ease pressure on social infrastructure. Several parliamentary factions also point out that such an approach could cause tension both within the country and in the broader context of European refugee policy.

Meanwhile, discussions on the initiative continue, and a final decision will be made after consultations with the European Commission and EU member states. Several countries are already considering similar measures as they seek to establish a long-term model for hosting Ukrainians without maintaining full-scale social support.

The Netherlands must establish legal frameworks, determine the scope of rights Ukrainians will receive, and outline the conditions under which this status will be extended or terminated. The authorities emphasize that the new approach should become “a balance between humanity and budget sustainability.”

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