Many foreigners who found refuge in the Netherlands after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, have been asked to leave the country after a high court of the Netherlands gave them an expulsion order. In January, The court ruled that a European Union policy allowing Ukrainians and residents to settle in the country since the war began would no longer apply to temporary residents. Those affected must leave the country by March 4. If they don’t quit, they face the risk of being deported.
The Dutch government is asking third-country nationals to leave because, unlike other EU members, the Netherlands did not assess individual cases to distinguish Ukrainian nationals from those with temporary permits. Many with temporary permits are students from India, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt. They had lived and studied in Ukraine before the war.
The government argued that the Netherlands had been a haven for many individuals who fled their home countries in search of security and stability. However, the high court’s recent ruling has caused great distress and upheaval for those who sought refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The court’s decision to expel temporary residents, including students from India, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt, has left many vulnerable and uncertain.
Unlike other EU members, the Netherlands did not individually assess cases to distinguish Ukrainian nationals from those with temporary permits. This has resulted in an unfair and unjust situation for those granted temporary permits to live and study in the Netherlands, only to be ordered to leave without considering their circumstances.
The Dutch government had previously provided these individuals with accommodation, a stipend, access to healthcare, and work permits, but its recent decision to end their protection has left them with no choice but to leave by September 4, 2023, or face deportation. This is a devastating blow to those who have made the Netherlands their home and contributed to its cultural and economic diversity.
We urge the Dutch government to reconsider its decision and provide a fair and just solution for those seeking refuge in the Netherlands. The expulsion of individuals who have sought safety and security in the Netherlands is not only inhumane but also goes against the country’s values of fairness and equality. Let us work together to ensure the Netherlands remains a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and refuge. For security and stability, the Netherlands has been a haven for many individuals who fled their home countries. However, the high court’s recent ruling has caused great distress and upheaval for those who sought refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The court’s decision to expel temporary residents, including students from India, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt, has left many vulnerable and uncertain.
The government says third-country nationals who could safely return to their home countries have “abused” the protection system. Migration Minister van der Berg said not taking action would “overburden” municipalities and promised 5,000 euros compensation for those willing to leave voluntarily.
