“It’s good that people show solidarity”, says the state secretary who is in Brussels to talk with the EU countries about the refugee problem that has arisen due to the outbreak of the war.
“People who want to offer their attic or second home still have to go to their municipality to arrange this. There is not yet a central address for this, but clarity should be provided soon.”
Some Dutch people have already announced on social media that they want to make their home available to refugees. 15-year-old Marieke in Hengelo also wants to give her room to a Ukrainian family.
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Visa-free
So far, more than 300,000 people have crossed the border from Ukraine. The vast majority of refugees are received in the countries surrounding Ukraine, says the state secretary. “We will receive people who come to other countries in Europe together. Very few people travel to the rest of Europe until now,” says Van der Burg. “So far, that reception, with pain and effort, is going well.”
Refugees from Ukraine with a passport do not have to report to an asylum seekers center, but they are allowed to. Citizens from Ukraine can stay in the Netherlands for at least 90 days, without requiring a visa. The government is considering extending that period. That may be up to two years, but that is not certain yet.
According to Van der Burg, that depends on the situation in Ukraine.
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The State Secretary speaks of an ‘incredible unity’ within the EU. “We will receive the people who come to Europe together. There is an enormous unity and joint effort within the EU countries.”
In countries that receive many refugees, such as Poland, there is an enormous need for medicines and medical aids. “We have already spent money on that. And if there is a need for more help, we will commit ourselves to it.”
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