Cabinet Takes Steps in Long-Term Policy for Ukrainians

As soon as it is safe in Ukraine, the cabinet aims to assist the displaced in their return to Ukraine. This also meets Ukraines wish to rebuild the country in the future with the help of its own citizens. In the coming months, the cabinet will further prepare a return program and also a national fallback option as long as they cannot return yet. This was agreed upon in the Council of Ministers.

Minister Faber (Asylum and Migration): “Hopefully the war in Ukraine will be over soon so that the displaced can return home. And as long as the displaced are in the Netherlands, the cabinets goal is that they participate as much as possible, are self-sufficient, and contribute to costs.”

Directive Temporary Protection

The European Directive on Temporary Protection (TPD) under which Ukrainian displaced persons currently fall, runs until March 4, 2026. Given the uncertain situation in Ukraine, it is still unknown whether this temporary protection will be extended.

Therefore, the cabinet is preparing for the scenario when the European temporary protection ends, with the main components being return and a national fallback option.

Voluntary Return

The TPD offers an opportunity to establish a voluntary return program towards the end of the temporary protection. The cabinet wants to take advantage of this opportunity. This return program is aimed at facilitating organized and accompanied returns of displaced persons from Ukraine as soon as possible. There is a clear link to reconstruction. The withdrawal of the ongoing asylum application prior to departure is an absolute prerequisite for participation in the return program.

National Fallback Option

In addition to the plan to encourage and facilitate return as soon as the country is safe, it must be investigated how to organize this orderly. Therefore, the cabinet is also working on a national fallback option. Besides our efforts for return, we are preparing for the situation where a group of displaced persons will stay longer in the Netherlands. As long as the displaced are in the Netherlands, our goal is that they participate as much as possible, are self-sufficient, and contribute to costs.

European Cooperation

In making long-term plans, the cabinet also keeps the European and Ukrainian perspectives in sharp focus. A common approach among EU member states projects unity towards Ukraine and Ukrainian displaced persons. This has worked well so far and prevents large differences between EU member states and thus possible secondary migration flows. However, a national approach is not excluded.