Attention to all third-country nationals from Ukraine staying in the Netherlands: the Council of State has set March 4 as the final date for you to leave the country, as per a recent ruling. This applies to around 2,760 individuals who do not hold Ukrainian nationality but have been residing in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit.
According to the national government’s press release, these individuals will have 28 days to leave the country after March 4, as they will no longer be eligible for the Temporary Protection Directive (RTB). However, those with pending asylum claims or regular residence permits are exempt from this requirement.
For the 740 individuals who have expressed their intent to apply for asylum, they will be eligible for admission to the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) after March 4. Municipalities have been instructed to continue offering them shelter until they can be transferred to the Agency.
Any third-country nationals who have not expressed their intent to apply for asylum are entitled to submit a new asylum application if they believe it’s unsafe to return to their home country. However, they will not be allowed to work in the Netherlands during the first six months of their reception.
Furthermore, those who do not plan to apply for asylum, or have had their applications rejected, must leave the country by April 1, 2024. In the meantime, municipalities will continue to provide accommodation for third-country nationals in this situation.
Additionally, the government has also indicated that host households accommodating third-country nationals from Ukraine who had a work or study permit before the war will no longer receive temporary protection in the Netherlands as of March 5, 2024. This decision can have consequences for host households, including the loss of childcare benefits, healthcare benefits, and child benefit budgets. It’s essential for these households to be aware of the change and make the necessary arrangements.
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