Government takes steps in long-term policy on Ukrainians
The government is committed to helping displaced people return to Ukraine as soon as it is safe for them to do so. This is also in line with Ukraine’s desire to rebuild its country with the help of its own citizens in the future. In the coming months, the government will continue to work on a return programme, along with a national fallback option as long as people cannot yet return. This was agreed on in the council of ministers.
Minister Faber (Asylum and Migration): “Hopefully the war in Ukraine will be over soon so displaced people can return home. And as long as displaced people are in the Netherlands, the government’s commitment is to ensure they participate to the maximum, are self-reliant and contribute to costs.”
Temporary Protection Directive
The European Temporary Protection Directive that currently covers Ukrainian displaced persons remains in effect until 4 March 2026. Given the uncertain situation in Ukraine, it is still unknown whether this temporary protection will be extended.
The government is therefore preparing for the European temporary protection to end. With the main components being the return of displaced people and a national fallback option.
Voluntary return
The Temporary Protection Directive offers the option of setting up a voluntary return programme towards the end of the temporary protection scheme. The government wants to avail of this option. This return programme aims to allow displaced persons from Ukraine to return in an organised, assisted manner as soon as possible. There is an explicit link here with reconstruction. The withdrawal of the pending asylum application before departure is a prerequisite for participation in the return programme.
National fallback option
In addition to the plan to encourage and facilitate targeted returns once the country is safe again, how to organise this in an orderly manner needs to be explored. That is why the government is also working on a national fallback option. In addition to our commitment to return, this prepares for the situation of some displaced persons remaining in the Netherlands for longer. As long as there are displaced people in the Netherlands, our commitment is to ensure that they participate to the maximum, are self-reliant and contribute to costs.
European cooperation
In making its long-term plans, the government is also keeping a keen eye on the European and Ukrainian perspective. A common approach among EU member states radiates unity towards Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians. This has worked well so far and prevents large differences between EU member states and therefore possible secondary migration flows. But a national approach has not been ruled out.
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2025/01/31/government-takes-steps-in-long-term-policy-on-ukrainians
