Dutch official proposes returning Ukrainian refugees to 'safe' regions
Photo: Support for Ukraine in the Netherlands (gettyimages.com)
Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands are proposed to be returned to relatively safe regions of Ukraine. This proposal was voiced by members of parliament. According to politicians, refugees could return to western Ukraine, according to dutchnews.nl.
The discussion about the return of Ukrainians home was initiated by members of parliament from one of the largest parties, the BBB (Farmer-Citizen Movement). The proposal was voiced during a debate on the government budget to address refugee issues. About 100,000 Ukrainian refugees enjoy protection in the Netherlands.
"We cannot house everyone. The west of the country seems to me to be relatively stable. Could Ukrainians not be housed there safely?" asks Mona Keizer, a member of the BBB, to Eric van der Burg, the Dutch Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration.
The official replies that the asylum policy does distinguish between safe and unsafe regions in the country.
At the same time, GroenLinks/PvdA MPs criticized the proposal of their colleague from the BBB party. They reminded that rocket attacks are also taking place in western Ukraine.
Mona Keizer also suggested that Ukrainian citizens who find work in the Netherlands should pay for housing and medical care. Ukrainian refugees are currently accommodated free of charge in municipal reception centers. They also receive a living allowance of 340 to 380 euros per month. The deputy also wants to study whether it is possible to link the subsistence minimum received by Ukrainians with the obligation to apply for a job.
Meanwhile, according to the national statistical agency CBS, almost half of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands have jobs. Many Ukrainians work in trade, transportation, and catering.
