Ukrainians in the Netherlands will have to pay for accommodation in shelters

After the start of a full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes in search of safety. The Netherlands became one of the countries that opened its doors to refugees, providing them with shelter, access to social services and the opportunity to start a new life. Despite this, life in a foreign country is often accompanied by significant difficulties, in particular in matters of employment, language and adaptation to new conditions. Recently, the Dutch government implemented a new initiative that will affect some of the Ukrainian refugees. Now those who live in the provided shelters and have their own income will have to partially pay for their accommodation.
Who should pay for housing?
As of January 1, accommodation in municipal shelters for Ukrainians in the Netherlands is no longer automatically free. Those with income must now contribute. This initiative has a rational explanation: maintaining refugee shelters requires significant financial resources.
In accordance with information edition “NOS”, the cost of accommodation includes:
- 100 euros per month for utilities;
- 242 euros per month if the shelter provides food.
At the same time, municipalities are not obliged to charge fees from all refugees. If a migrant’s income is below a certain threshold, they can be exempted from payment. The main goal of this initiative is to ensure equality and to attract those who have the financial capacity to partially cover the cost of living.
The initiative raises concerns about financial hardship among Ukrainian refugees, although some agree with the need for the measure.
“I think it is necessary. We use electricity, water and want to be part of Dutch society.” a woman who escaped from Mariupol told journalists.
She considers it fair to make contributions for accommodation. This woman, together with her husband and two children, has been living in a shelter in Vlaardingen for about a year and a half.
“The amount requested is available to those who work,” she adds. However, she fears that it may not be possible for everyone.
Poverty even with work
Researchers from Inholland University of Applied Sciences came to a similar conclusion. They surveyed 187 Ukrainian refugees, and the results show that even those who have jobs face financial difficulties. Although this study is not representative of the entire group, it provides insight into the financial challenges facing refugees.
20% of respondents are below the subsistence minimum. A third of residents of municipal shelters spend more than they earn. Although they receive wages or social assistance, these funds are often insufficient. Ukrainian single-parent families are particularly vulnerable.
“For many families, this is not life, but survival. If people cannot provide for their own needs, it affects their ability to integrate into society.” – believes Martin Blackman, a lecturer at Inholland University, who studies the living conditions of Ukrainians in shelters.
About 32% of Ukrainian households cannot make ends meet. By comparison, among Dutch households, the figure is 17%, as reported by WODC based on CBS data.
More than 90,000 Ukrainians live in municipal shelters. More than half of them have a job. Now working Ukrainians living in shelters must make their own contributions.
Researcher Blakman calls on municipalities to take into account the vulnerable situation of Ukrainians:
“There is an opinion that Ukrainians with incomes are able to pay these contributions, but this does not take into account their vulnerability.”
The municipality of Vlaardingen follows national guidelines, says the head of the shelter in that city. The local authorities reported that in some cases individual consideration of the issue of payment of contributions is possible.
The decision of the Dutch government to pay for accommodation seems logical from the point of view of the budget, but it does not take into account the psychological and emotional state of people who are already in a difficult situation. The vulnerability of this group requires greater understanding and consideration of their capabilities.
Other problems of Ukrainians in the Netherlands
Ukrainian refugees face many difficulties in the process of adaptation. The language barrier remains one of the main problems. Although English is quite common, knowledge of Dutch is required for employment and full integration. Learning a language requires not only time, but also financial costs, which creates an additional burden for refugees.
Another challenge is the high cost of living. The Netherlands is known for its economic stability, but for refugees, who often lose their sources of income due to relocation, even basic costs can prove too high. Rent, transportation, food, and household necessities all add significant financial pressure. Many are forced to save even on the most necessary.
Social isolation is also a major challenge. Despite the openness and support of local residents, Ukrainians often feel lonely due to the lack of familiar surroundings, native language and culture. This is especially important to consider in cases where additional financial obligations are imposed on migrants.
Despite the difficulties, Ukrainians are actively looking for ways to integrate into the new environment. They learn the language, organize cultural events, create communities of mutual support. Such initiatives not only facilitate adaptation, but also help maintain a connection with the native culture.