The ruling about the Tanzanian is the first test to see whether this is legally allowed. The IND, the Legal Aid Board and the Council for Refugees have serious doubts as to whether it is legally feasible to lift the temporary protection of so-called ‘third-country nationals’.
A test case has therefore been started for twelve of these people, of which this is the first with a verdict. The trial proceedings before the highest court are intended to find out whether the cabinet’s decision to return ‘third-country nationals’ will stand.
Temporary residence permit
The so-called ‘third-country nationals’ are mainly people from Syria or African countries, who stayed in Ukraine with a temporary residence permit, for example for their studies or work.
When war broke out in Ukraine, they fled to the Netherlands and received the same temporary protection as Ukrainians. This arrangement was extended in March, but will come to an end on September 4. Then they have to leave for their mother country or submit an asylum application and wait for a decision.
Fear of chaotic situation
Municipalities fear a chaotic situation if the reception arrangements for the approximately 2,500 ‘third-country nationals’ they estimate come to an end. In a letter to responsible demissionary state secretary Eric van der Burg (Asylum Affairs), they recently asked for more legal substantiation from Van der Burg.
They also expressed their concern that these people might end up on the street and the mayors would get into trouble. The Council for Refugees is also concerned about this. The organization asks Van der Burg not to lift the temporary protection for the time being.
The Tanzanian is appealing against the verdict, Refugee Council Netherlands reports.
2023-08-09 20:23:31
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