The Netherlands will tighten control over refugees from Ukraine: the growing number of arrivals from other EU countries is a cause for concern

The Netherlands has seen an influx of Ukrainians arriving from Germany, Poland and other EU countries. Find out why the government has launched an investigation, what is suspicious and what changes are expected in the admission policy

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In the Netherlands, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of refugees with Ukrainian passports arriving not directly from Ukraine, but from other EU countries, including Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Belgium, and Sweden. According to the NRC, this situation is causing concern among local authorities and the central government, as suspicions arise about possible abuse of the temporary protection system in the European Union.

Massive influx: why do Ukrainians go to the Netherlands and what is the problem?

One of the reasons why Ukrainians move to the Netherlands from other countries is the attractive conditions of stay and the opportunity to receive good financial support. In addition, after official registration, Ukrainians can quickly obtain a work permit, which opens up real opportunities for earning money. However, this attracts not only those seeking protection, but also people looking for seasonal work.

Thus, according to local officials, not all of the newcomers are refugees in the literal sense. Some of them have already enjoyed temporary protection in other EU member states, but decided to change their country of residence to a more favorable one. Crisis centers, such as the one in Heerenveen, note that large families, including those of Roma origin, who were not actually in Ukraine during the fighting and came from other EU countries, are arriving more and more often.

See also: How Ukrainians can move to the Netherlands in 2025 and get a residence permit.

In order to better understand the nature of these movements, the Dutch Ministry of Asylum and Migration has initiated a major study. Since the spring of 2025, the Regioplan agency has been studying the motives, routes and circumstances of arrival of Ukrainians seeking asylum in the country. The main focus is on identifying cases of dual receipt of temporary protection, when a person receives assistance in several EU countries at the same time, which is expressly prohibited by law.

A spokesperson for the Ministry explains that if it is established that a refugee with a Ukrainian passport enjoys temporary protection status not only in the Netherlands but also in another EU country, his or her status in the Netherlands will be revoked.

Another factor in the increase in the number of arrivals is active advertising on social media. Posts promising “favorable conditions” for Ukrainians in the Netherlands are being shared on Telegram and TikTok. These messages often do not contain verified information, but they contribute to the growth of the number of people who go to “try” a new country.

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Stricter checks for Ukrainians in the Netherlands: what to expect?

Local officials have already appealed to the Ministry of Asylum to review the policy in cases where a person with a Ukrainian passport comes not directly from Ukraine but from another EU country. In particular, the Mayor of Heerenveen, Avin Fokkens, has demanded that the Ministry provide clear instructions to crisis centers in cases of doubt about the status of newcomers.

This is also because the temporary accommodation system in the Netherlands is already under serious pressure. The growing number of applicants puts a strain not only on housing, but also on social services, healthcare and municipal budgets.

The government needs to strike a balance between helping those who are truly affected by the war and effectively controlling the allocation of resources. That is why the situation requires not only data collection, but also prompt policy changes.

How to avoid misunderstandings and act legally to be under temporary protection in the EU?

Ukrainians who are planning to move to the Netherlands or change their country of residence within the EU should be aware that temporary protection is only possible in one country at a time. Double registration and receipt of benefits in several countries is a violation that can lead to loss of status or even deportation.

To avoid legal risks and act within the framework of European legislation, it is important to consult with specialists before moving. Experienced migration lawyers at Visit Ukraine will help you find out what rights you have, how to properly prepare documents and avoid mistakes that can cost you legal status in the EU.

Apply for a consultation and get comprehensive answers to all your questions about legal stay in the EU!

We remind you! European countries are changing their migration policies one by one. Read about which of them limits asylum, where they ignore European norms, and what consequences this may have for the future of European unity in our previous article.

Photo: Getty Images

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