Radical proposal from the PVV: do they really want to deport Ukrainian men from the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, the debate on the future of migration policy is intensifying, with right-wing parties voicing proposals that are causing outrage and concern among refugees. The issue of Ukrainian men who have been granted temporary protection in the country is particularly acute. Find out more about the ideas being promoted by the PVV and JA21 in the run-up to the elections and what this could mean for Ukrainians

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The Netherlands is once again facing a choice: parliamentary elections promise to be decisive for the country's future migration policy. Two right-wing parties, the PVV and JA21, have presented their election programmes, which call into question the continued residence of many foreigners, including Ukrainians. The PVV's initiative to forcibly deport Ukrainian men has caused the most controversy.

We explain what these parties are proposing in this article.

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Men must return to war: radical statement by the PVV

One of the most controversial promises made by the Freedom Party (PVV) is the deportation of Ukrainian men residing in the Netherlands. The wording of the party's programme provides for the return to Ukraine of men of conscription age who, according to PVV politicians, should be fighting in their homeland.

This proposal looks not only like political cynicism, but also like an attempt to put pressure on the electorate through the issue of war. After all, in the context of the current temporary protection status for Ukrainians in the EU, such initiatives contradict the principles of international humanitarian law. However, this is not the first time the PVV has resorted to such rhetoric: it has long positioned itself as a force seeking isolation and a rejection of open migration.

Closed doors instead of help

The PVV's vision of migration policy is one of total prohibition: the party proposes closing the country to asylum seekers for at least four years. In addition, it advocates the elimination of refugee centres, the termination of family reunification procedures and even withdrawal from the UN Convention on Refugees.

Such steps would effectively deprive the country of its status as a humanitarian refuge and call into question the Netherlands' obligations to the international community. This would particularly affect Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave their country because of the war.

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JA21: more moderate rhetoric, but the same direction

Unlike the PVV, the JA21 party led by Jost Erdmans has chosen a less radical, though still quite conservative, line. Its proposals include stricter border controls, restrictions on family reunification, and the repeal of the refugee distribution law.

JA21 also focuses on internal reform: it proposes the creation of new ministries, the development of nuclear energy, the introduction of referendums, and increased spending on security and national defence. But at the heart of its political discourse is still the issue of immigration and control.

PVV vs. JA21: a choice between extremes

This time, the right-wing vote is split between two poles: the PVV with its radical isolationism and JA21 with its conservative but more manageable line. However, both parties view foreigners primarily as a burden rather than a resource and are not shy about making migration their main political target.

For Ukrainians in the Netherlands, such rhetoric is an alarming signal. Despite existing legal guarantees, including temporary protection, political sentiment in the country could create an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

Don't be left alone: help from immigration lawyers

If you are a Ukrainian abroad and are concerned about your status or prospects for staying in the EU, contact professional migration lawyers.

The Visit Ukraine portal provides a full range of legal advice on documents, legalisation, residence permits, etc.

Don't delay — book a consultation today to protect yourself and your family.

Reminder! With the launch of the e-Consul system, Ukrainians abroad can submit applications and documents online, and a visit to the diplomatic mission is only necessary to receive the finished documents. How e-Consul works, what opportunities it offers and how it is useful for Ukrainians abroad — we explain here.

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