Netherlands Struggles to Accommodate Ukrainian Refugees

(MENAFN) Ukrainian refugees can no longer be accommodated in Dutch municipalities as reception centers have reached their limits, with individuals now being refused entry, according to the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG).

Since the escalation of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022, roughly 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled to different European states. Around 120,000 of them have resettled in the Netherlands, including men who departed their homeland to avoid mobilization.

The VNG revealed that “almost” all of the 97,000 municipal shelter places across the Netherlands are presently full, while approximately 300 more Ukrainians are still arriving in the country every week, the group noted.

Local governments in cities such as Utrecht and Dordrecht have acknowledged that they are unable to provide further accommodation to newcomers. Authorities have highlighted shortages in housing and financial resources, urging the central government to devise a sustainable, long-term strategy.

Dutch representatives have cautioned that, without additional national assistance, municipalities will struggle to meet their statutory obligations regarding housing.

One proposal being considered is to require Ukrainians with employment or adequate earnings to help pay rent for their lodgings, although no definitive ruling has yet been made.

Other Western European nations are reportedly encountering comparable challenges.

The UK, Ireland, Germany, and Finland have all moved in recent months to scale back financial aid or welfare for Ukrainians, citing strain on state budgets and limited housing availability.

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