News Report: Long-term Policy for the Reception of Refugees from Ukraine

Since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, millions of Ukrainians have fled and been received in the European Union. The Netherlands currently provides shelter to approximately 135,000 refugees from Ukraine under the European Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). The TPD was extended in June 2025 until March 4, 2027.

It is still uncertain how long the war will last. Therefore, the cabinet has drawn up a long-term plan for the period after the expiration of the TPD. After the TPD ends, refugees from Ukraine will be eligible for a temporary transit document valid for three years. This only applies to refugees who have temporary protection under the TPD. The main outlines of this policy are included in the collective letter Reception Ukraine of July 4, 2025, and have now been further elaborated in the collective letter of November 28, 2025.

Transit Document

The transit document is only available to refugees from Ukraine who have temporary protection under the TPD. In addition, they must successfully pass a public order test and withdraw their ongoing asylum application. The IND grants the transit document ex officio, which means that refugees who previously received protection do not have to apply for a transit document themselves. The transit document gives refugees from Ukraine time to orient themselves towards voluntary return and provides municipalities with a multi-year perspective on reception.

Rights and Obligations

The transit document comes with various rights, obligations, and provisions. These will be made available in due course so that refugees from Ukraine can participate and contribute to Dutch society as much as possible. For example, they can work with a transit document without a work permit, take out health insurance, and study at a low rate. The reception will also be converted to housing where possible, so they can pay rent themselves. In spring 2026, the cabinet will provide more information about the rights, obligations, and provisions associated with the transit document. For more information, see: Long-term policy: return and residence | Reception of refugees from Ukraine | Rijksoverheid.nl

Return Program

The long-term plan focuses on voluntary return to Ukraine. For this, the Netherlands is developing a return program that aligns with the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Netherlands offers practical help to refugees from Ukraine who want to return, for example with arranging travel documents and transportation. Refugees from Ukraine who already want to return to Ukraine can request support from the Repatriation and Departure Service: Help with return to Ukraine | Repatriation and Departure Service.

The collective letter Reception Ukraine of November 28, 2025, will be added to this page after publication.