Netherlands Issues Temporary Protection Termination Notices to Third-Country Nationals from Ukraine

The Netherlands has announced sending temporary protection termination letters to non-Ukrainians with temporary Ukrainian residence permits. As per IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service of the Netherlands), the temporary protection for this particular group of foreigners will end on 5 March 2024. It also stated that this decision would affect third-country nationals who fled the Ukraine war.

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will dispatch letters to non-Ukrainian nationals holding temporary residence permits in Ukraine. These communications will pertain to the termination of temporary protection and will be sent out in three separate rounds to distinct groups. Each letter will contain details regarding the appeals process, legal proceedings, reception, assistance, and related information.

Rights and Obligations Post-March 4

In this letter, IND explains that the people of this group will be eligible for a temporary protection—directive until March 4; post that, the same scheme will not cover them.

Until that day arrives, non-Ukrainian residents with temporary Ukrainian residence permits in Ukraine will be allowed to request assistance from the Repatriation and Departure Service concerning leaving the country.

After March 4, this group will no longer be allowed to work. They will be provided with a 28-day window to ensure their departure. They will be supplied with liveable space in the municipal reception centre until they depart.

Additionally, IND will draw back the previous return decision. Individuals who have lodged an appeal against their deportation order will be reimbursed for their legal expenses, and a revised decision will be rendered prior to March 4th.

The Future of Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands

The country nationals living in asylum in the Netherlands will be allowed to stay as the Dutch authorities assured that there will be no return decision provided for them. They are permitted to go by their asylum application in the Netherlands. They will also be allowed to work during their stay.

A small group of nationals of a third country holding different residency forms in the Netherlands will be provided with the effects of the termination policy till early February. This small group will also be permitted to stay in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The decision by the Dutch government marks a significant change in the Netherlands' policy towards refugees from Ukraine, particularly affecting third-country nationals. While this creates uncertainties for those affected, the Dutch authorities provide necessary assistance and information to ease this transition.

FAQs

What is the Temporary Protection Termination being implemented by the Netherlands?

The Temporary Protection Termination is a policy decision by the Netherlands to end the temporary protection previously granted to third-country nationals from Ukraine. These individuals, who are not Ukrainian nationals but have been residing in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit, are affected by this change. The termination of this protection is scheduled to take effect on March 5, 2024.

Who will receive the termination letters, and what information will they contain?

The termination letters will be sent by the Netherlands' Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) to third-country nationals who are not Ukrainian but hold a temporary Ukrainian residence permit. These letters will include vital information about the termination of temporary protection, the process for appealing this decision, court proceedings, reception, and available assistance for those affected.

What rights and obligations do these third-country nationals have post-March 4?

After March 4, 2024, the temporary protection directive will no longer cover individuals affected by this policy change. This means they will not be allowed to work in the Netherlands and must prepare for departure within a 28-day window. However, they will be accommodated in a municipal reception centre during this period. Furthermore, they can seek assistance from the Repatriation and Departure Service for leaving the country.

How does this decision affect asylum seekers in the Netherlands?

Asylum seekers in the Netherlands, particularly those from third-country nationals, will be allowed to continue their asylum applications. The Dutch authorities have assured that no return decision will be enforced against them, and they are permitted to work during their stay in the country. This is part of the Netherlands' continued commitment to supporting asylum-seeking individuals.

What happens to individuals who have previously filed an appeal against their return decision?

Individuals who have filed an appeal against their return decision will face specific implications. The IND will withdraw the previous return decision, and those who have appealed will be required to repay any associated costs. Additionally, a new decision regarding their status will be issued before March 4, 2024.

Are there any exceptions to the termination policy?

Yes, there are exceptions. A small group of third-country nationals holding different residency forms in the Netherlands will be affected by the termination policy differently. These individuals will be allowed to stay in the Netherlands, and the effects of the termination policy on them will be communicated by early February.

What is the overall impact of this policy change on third-country nationals?

The decision by the Dutch government represents a significant policy shift towards refugees from Ukraine, particularly impacting third-country nationals. This change brought uncertainties for those affected, but the Dutch authorities provided necessary assistance and information to facilitate a smooth transition during this period.