In recent weeks we have received many questions about the situation in Ukraine, especially from employers. We see that our partners would like to know what the options are for refugees from Ukraine in the Netherlands. We have listed a number of questions and answers.

Please note: this article was translated using a translator app

An EU arrangement has been made. What does that entail?

 On Thursday, March 3, the EU decided on a temporary protection program for Ukrainians, which means they will receive residence status for one year - without an asylum application. Member states can decide whether to extend this special arrangement for a maximum of two years if the war continues.

 The Netherlands (and other EU countries) are now busy developing this scheme for Ukrainians coming to the Netherlands. Because this is a new arrangement, new agreements are being made. For example, about living in the Netherlands, the right to care and the right to work and study. Not everything is clear yet. As soon as more information becomes clear, we will mention it on this page. Until then, Ukrainians do not have to worry about their right to reside in the Netherlands.

Are Ukrainians allowed to stay here? And for how long?

 Ukrainian refugees are entitled to temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive if they lived in Ukraine before or on February 24, 2022. The same applies to persons from third countries and stateless persons enjoying international protection in Ukraine, and their family members. Persons from third countries who resided in Ukraine before or on February 24 on the basis of a permanent residence permit and who cannot safely return to their country of origin are subject to either temporary protection or appropriate protection under applicable Dutch law, the European Council said . .

 Persons covered by the above-mentioned Directive are granted temporary protection for a period of one year. This period can be extended twice by six months. The European Commission may then propose to the European Council to extend temporary protection for another year. If a safe and sustainable return to Ukraine is possible again, it can also propose ending temporary protection.

Are Ukrainians allowed to work in the Netherlands?

 Yes, from April 1, Ukrainian refugees are allowed to work as employees. This applies to refugees who lawfully reside in the Netherlands on the basis of the Temporary Protection Directive. The employer does not require a work permit. The employer must report this to UWV at least 2 days before the employee starts, according to the central government . An application for a work permit for a Ukrainian refugee submitted before April 1, 2022 is considered a notification to the UWV. Ukrainian refugees have the same rights as Dutch employees when they work, such as the minimum wage.

 Refugees who are not from Ukraine and are still waiting for their asylum procedure can work paid for 24 weeks a year. They are only allowed to do this 6 months after their asylum application has been submitted in the Netherlands. After obtaining an asylum permit, they are allowed to work indefinitely with the same rights and obligations as Dutch people.

What documents do Ukrainians need to work?

The central government says that in addition to a document proving their residence status as temporary protected (on the basis of the Temporary Protection Directive), Ukrainian refugees need a Citizen Service Number (BSN) in order to be able to work. If a Ukrainian refugee registers with the municipality where he/she is (temporarily) staying, the residence status is recorded and the refugee receives a BSN.

 However, it takes the government some time to prepare documents proving their right of residence for all Ukrainian refugees. Therefore, a transition period applies from March 4 to May 30, 2022. During this transition period, an exemption from the previously applicable work permit requirement applies to all Ukrainian persons, as long as they can prove their nationality on the basis of documents.

 In addition, the aim is to extend this transition period by mid-April 2022 and apply it to stateless persons and persons from third countries other than Ukraine who can demonstrate that they enjoyed international protection in Ukraine on 23 February 2022 or were in possession of a valid residence permit issued in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Will Ukrainians continue to receive living allowances if they work?

 If a refugee starts doing paid work, the living allowance stops. The refugee reports this to the municipality. The living allowance will then stop from the 1st day of the following month. The living allowance of other family members who are not working continues.

Are Ukrainians allowed to do an internship in the Netherlands?

 This is allowed if they fall under the Temporary Protection Directive. However, an agreement must be concluded between the trainee, employer and training course.

Are Ukrainians allowed to volunteer in the Netherlands?

According to the government, this is allowed if they fall under the Temporary Protection Directive. The UWV checks whether it actually concerns volunteer work. The organization must therefore request a volunteer declaration from UWV. This statement is valid for 3 years and does not apply to a person, but to the type of volunteer work . There is more information on Werk.nl.

I am an employer and I have work for Ukrainians. Where do I start?

 The people who come to the Netherlands now first and foremost need rest. This mainly concerns women and children, who in many cases have left their husbands, sons and/or other male relatives behind in a hectic war situation. It is unrealistic to think that they can start working immediately. We ask employers who want to offer work to Ukrainians to also open themselves up to refugees from other countries - if this is not already the case. There are many status holders who are eager to get started. Knowing more? Inquire at the employer service point in your municipality. Or read here what a partnership with the Refugee Talent Hub entails.

Do the Ukrainians want to work?

 We are receiving signals that many Ukrainians would like to get started - after an initial necessary period of rest, the length of which will differ per person. The Refugee Talent Hub will soon organize an information meeting for Ukrainians, in their own language: see below.

 **Does the Refugee Talent Hub organize special activities for Ukrainian refugees? **

 In principle no. Ukrainians are more than welcome to participate in the activities we organize with employers in our network . These activities are open to all people with a history of flight. We make no distinction based on nationality. We will organize an (online or live) meeting for Ukrainian refugees in early April to inform them in their own language about the work in the Netherlands: What is the Dutch labor market like, what are the tips and tricks when applying for jobs, where can you can go and what the laws and regulations apply to them. We do this because many Ukrainians do not speak English (and of course Dutch) well, and different rules apply to them under the EU protection program than to refugees from other countries. The effect of these European directives will most likely be clear by then.

Finally: Many people want to take personal action for refugees from Ukraine in the short term. This is heartwarming. The VluchtelingenWerk Nederland website also states (in addition to information about working in the Netherlands) which organization you can contact and what the current situation is:

• I stand in solidarity
• I want to offer housing
• I want to become a volunteer
• I want to donate items