“A first residence location has been set up in Amsterdam for 80 people from Ukraine,” said the ministry. “The cabinet is in talks with the municipalities of Zaanstad, Haarlem, The Hague, Ede and the Ministry of Defense about the reception of Ukrainians.”
It concerns the first reception of Ukrainians, according to a report from the department. “In the meantime, the cabinet is preparing larger-scale reception facilities together with municipalities and social partners. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee will refer people who need shelter at the border to the available locations. Ukrainians who are already in the Netherlands and are wondering where they can go can report to the municipality where they currently reside.”
Rural image
Municipalities can contact the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) if they have any questions. Many other municipalities also want to contribute to the reception of Ukrainians, says Justice and Security. “The VNG calls on these municipalities to report to it, so that a national picture is created where refugees can go.”
Organizations such as the Red Cross, Refugee Work and the Salvation Army have also offered help. “Very good to see that municipalities and social organizations are ready to offer help to people fleeing Ukraine,” said State Secretary Van der Burg (Justice). “Our policy is always to accommodate people in the region as much as possible. Now Europe is the region. When people come to the Netherlands, we will take care of them if they need it.”
Visa
Residents of Ukraine can enter the Netherlands without a visa, thanks to the association agreement that the EU concluded with Ukraine in 2017. People with a so-called biometric passport can stay here for 90 days in any case. That is why people from Ukraine do not have to go to an asylum seekers center in the first instance. They already have the right to reside in the Netherlands. Special accommodation locations are being set up for these people.